CAV reimagines Ford’s GT40 as a modern icon
The Ford GT40 remains an icon in the world of motorsport. Its creation was driven by Ford’s determination to defeat Ferrari after a failed acquisition deal between the two companies escalated into one of the greatest rivalries in racing, culminating in a battle for supremacy at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The GT40 received its name from its height of just 40 inches; however, there was never a continuous second generation of the GT40 after its Le Mans success. The GT40 then disappeared for more than three decades until Ford introduced the Ford GT in 2005, and although it got its inspiration from the famous GT40, it was an entirely new car rather than a continuation of the original.
While Ford never constructed a true second-generation GT40, that didn’t stop others from carrying the legendary name forward. Decades after the original conquered Le Mans, South African manufacturer Cape Advanced Vehicles (CAV) took on the challenge of evolving the icon, resulting in the GT MkII. This is essentially the brand’s imagination of how the legendary racer might have evolved had Ford continued developing it instead of drawing the curtain on the original.
Designed to replace CAV’s classic GT model, the reveal has been timed to coincide with the 60th anniversary of Ford’s historic finish at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans. With a silhouette to match the original GT40, the GT MkII is built around a carbon fibre and aluminium monocoque and weighs only 1,350kg. For reference, the Mk I, which gave the GT40 its name, weighed around 900kg in its early form with the small-block V8.
It’s a stunning reimagination with a massive air intake, circular taillights and a dial-layer active Gurney spoiler for added performance. What stands out, though, is the Gulf racing livery that pays homage to the GT40’s racing history. Such a cool piece of art, if I am honest.
Under the rear deck sits a 4.2-litre twin-supercharged V8 with around 600kW and 880Nm, paired with a 6-speed semi-automatic gearbox that sends power to all four wheels. Despite its supercar powers, CAV has made it suitable for daily use, thanks to power windows, power steering, ample luggage space, swan-wing doors, modern tyres, and original spare parts support. Safety has also been brought up to modern standards with active aerodynamics, all-wheel-drive, ABS, ESC, traction control and airbags.
CAV will also build just 40 examples of the 60th Anniversary GT MkII, with each one individually tailored to its owner through bespoke colours, premium materials and unique interior finishes, including special paint options honouring GT40 icons Ken Miles and Carroll Shelby. The standard GT MkII, however, is not a limited-run model. It will replace CAV’s long-standing GT in the company’s line-up and enter regular production, although output will remain highly exclusive at around 10 cars per year.
What if Ford never stopped making the GT40? Well, CAV’s GT MkII lives to answer this question that enthusiasts have asked for many years. It blends timeless design cues with modern engineering plus everyday usability, and for that, it deserves a worthy tribute. Also, it’s a reminder that some of the world’s most exciting performance cars can come from SA.
