New Superformance GT40R Competition

[Alan P.]

INTRODUCING THE GT40R COMPETITION
Superformance LLC, in partnership with Pathfinder Motorsports LLC, today announced an authentic competition version of the iconic GT40® racing car that beat Ferrari and won at the Le Mans 24 Hours Race in 1966, 1968, and 1969. Named the GT40R, this exceptional racecar will be eligible for competition in several race series, and has already been approved for vintage racing in the Historic Sportscar Racing association (HSR).

Superformance and Pathfinder Motorsports LLC created the GT40R as an affordable and accurate 1960’s-era Le Mans-type racecar for use in vintage racing and track events, such as those sponsored by the National Auto Sport Association (NASA). While other Superformance GT40s are registered as street-legal road cars, the GT40R was designed for racing, and boasts supercar handling and acceleration, along with modern safety features such as a six-point roll-cage, FIA-approved fuel cells, fire suppression system, competition seat belts, and much more.

Superformance’s engineers went to great lengths to ensure authenticity and accuracy. So much so that the GT40R is licensed by Safir GT40 Spares LLC as a continuation model of the original 1965 GT40, and not only carries a continuation production number on its chassis and MSO with an ‘R’ suffix, but is also eligible for entry in Safir’s GT40 registry alongside the original racecars. In addition, the Superformance GT40 has been accepted for inclusion in the prestigious Shelby American Automobile Club (SAAC) registry, thereby substantially enhancing the car’s collector value.

This GT40R continuation model is built to exacting standards with over 85% of the rolling chassis's parts interchangeable with the original car, including the unique 'monocoque’-style chassis. The GT40R also boasts a pressed steel roof, a beautifully finished body, and is available in either MKI or MKII configurations – in right- or left-hand drive. However, it is expected that the right-hand drive will be most popular due to it being both more authentic and best suited for many US racetracks.

The GT40R is sold exclusively by Florida-based Pathfinder Motorsports LLC. Pathfinder’s CEO, Alan Petersen, said at today’s announcement, “After a tremendous investment of time and resources, we are very proud to announce the availability of the GT40R – the most exciting racecar to hit America’s race tracks in almost 40 years. We believe that this car will provide unbeatable performance and thrills to the legions of race enthusiasts who see the GT40 as the most exciting racecar of all time. With the original cars selling for millions of dollars, our goal is to provide the vintage car enthusiast and weekend racer a safe, exciting, and highly affordable racecar that is nothing less than a true GT40.”

Lance Stander, President of Superformance LLC, remarked, “The introduction of the GT40R is a significant milestone in our company’s history. We pride ourselves on the quality of our high-performance continuation vehicles and the GT40R is a great example of that commitment to excellence.” He went on to say, “The GT40R has been built with racing in mind, with such features as a competition roll-cage, racing suspension, period-correct aerodynamics, and even small details like windshield wipers that operate at speeds in excess of 150mph. And despite the small production numbers for a specialized vehicle like the GT40R, each car will be constructed by skilled artisans in the largest and most sophisticated factory of its kind, employing over 500 professionals. Those lucky enough to own the competition version of our GT40 will have a highly capable, historic-eligible racecar not unlike the original 1960’s World Champion racecar.”

The GT40R is already in production, with the first four racecars arriving in the United States in early April. They will be sold exclusively through Pathfinder Motorsports LLC in Melbourne, Florida and completed by Dennis Olthoff and Olthoff Racing in Mt. Ulla, North Carolina. GT40R’s will be on display at HSR and other motor racing events beginning in the Spring of 2009. For more information, please contact Alan Petersen at (321) 544-2320 or our website (which will be up soon): GT40Racing.com.