Sixty years after the Ford GT40 completed its legendary 1-2-3 finish at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans, South African specialist CAV has unveiled what it describes as the spiritual successor to one of motorsport’s greatest icons. Named the GT MkII, the new model celebrates the company’s 27 years of GT40 expertise while embracing a modern restomod philosophy rather than simply recreating the original.
Unlike the 223 faithful GT40 recreations CAV has produced over the years, the GT MkII has been designed as a reinterpretation for modern drivers. Limited to just 40 examples, it retains the unmistakable proportions of the Le Mans winner while incorporating contemporary technology, greater practicality and significantly higher performance.
Power comes from a twin-supercharged 4.2-litre Audi-derived V8 featuring forged internals, direct injection, dry-sump lubrication, and an Inconel exhaust system. Producing 800 hp and 880 Nm, the engine revs to 9,000 rpm while driving all four wheels through a six-speed single-clutch semi-automatic transmission, with dual-clutch and manual alternatives also available. Performance is predictably spectacular, with 0-100 km/h taking just 3.0 seconds before the car continues to a top speed of more than 330 km/h.
Built around an advanced aluminium and carbon-fibre spaceframe with lightweight carbon-composite bodywork, the GT MkII also features active aerodynamics, anti-lock brakes, stability control, traction control, and six selectable driving modes. A dual-layer active Gurney spoiler automatically adjusts to balance downforce and drag, while permanent all-wheel drive helps make the car’s immense performance more approachable.
Unlike many uncompromising supercars, CAV has also focused on everyday usability. A more spacious cabin, swan-wing doors, power steering, electric windows, and increased luggage capacity make ownership far less intimidating than that of the original GT40.
The launch specification, finished in Miles Blue Metallic as shown here, will account for 20 of the 40 planned production cars, paying tribute to the GT40’s iconic Le Mans victory.
