1969 Ford GT40 Coupe

This fourth to the last GT40 Production Racing Coupe was built by J.W. Automotive Engineering, (previously Ford Advanced Vehicles), in Slough, England. It was completed February 6, 1969 and shipped to its first owner in South Africa. Its second owner, a Portuguese driver name Emilo Marta, campaigned this car in the Angolan Championship Series Twelve races, finishing 3rd in 1971, 2nd in 1972, and winning the 1973 championship.

First delivered in Cirrus White, it was to receive a variety of liveries over the years, now showing restoration to Cirrus White again. Original MK I GT40 specifications included several updates to 1968 lightweight configuration similar to the 1969 LeMans 24 Hour winning Gulf-Ford raced by J.W. Automotive Engineering. Power is derived from its wet deck 289 CID engine fitted with Weslake heads through a ZF 5-speed transaxle with a final drive ratio of 4.22:1, both original to this car. This gave reliable performance and allowed 200 mph on long straights. Gulf-Ford style BRM wheels, 10-inch front and 12-inch rear, with Stage II ventilated brake-discs, complete the original as-built mechanical components.

The Angolan Civil War of 1974 interrupted the Series Twelve races after the third race of that season, and Marta escaped with the car to Portugal where it was campaigned with Volante Livre livery of Marta's car rental business. Retired in 1979, subsequent owners kept the car that was later meticulously restored in Germany during 2004. It was then returned to the track for the 2010 LeMans Classic.