The AK40 Demonstrators were originally based on a Southern GT chassis, a replica of the GT40 designed by Mick Sollis, .
AK have further developed the AK40 to accept the modern Ford Coyote quad cam engine and a more modern transaxle. It is available in both modular form and factory built.
ENGINE: Small Block Ford 302 stroked to 347 cu ins (5.5 litres)
INDUCTION: 8 Stack throttle body fuel injection, controlled by ‘drive-by-wire’.
ECU: Emerald K6 specified for drive-by-wire and 3 maps – MOT, Street, Track
CHASSIS: Southern GT spaceframe tubular with aluminium panelling
FUEL SYSTEM: Twin tanks, twin low-pressure pumps on separate circuits feeding to swirl pot with high-pressure fuel pump to fuel rail and injectors.
EXHAUST SYSTEM: Hand fabricated ‘bundle of snakes’ headers to twin stainless silencers
TRANSAXLE: Renault 21 Turbo, five speed with strengthened first motion shaft, five speed and limited slip-differential.
BRAKES: AP four-pot calipers and vented discs front and rear. Separate Brembo parking caliper
WHEELS: Image BRM pattern 15” wheels front and rear with period Avon road/race tyres
INSTRUMENTS: Full instrument array with correct angled speedometer on passenger’s side. Includes fuel pump switchover, cooling fan over-ride and heated front screen
PAINT: French Racing Team Livery completed by 355 Restorations, Peterborough
ENGINE: Gen 3 Ford Coyote 500 BHP
INDUCTION: 8 Stack throttle body fuel injection.
ECU: EFI Technology
CHASSIS: AK40 spaceframe tubular with aluminium panelling
FUEL SYSTEM: Twin tanks, twin low-pressure pumps on separate circuits feeding to swirl pot with high-pressure fuel pump to fuel rail and injectors.
EXHAUST SYSTEM: Hand fabricated ‘bundle of snakes’ headers to twin stainless silencers
TRANSAXLE: Quaife ZFQ five speed and limited slip-differential.
BRAKES: AP four-pot calipers and vented discs front and rear. Separate Brembo parking caliper
WHEELS: Image BRM pattern 15” wheels front and rear with period Avon road/race tyres
INSTRUMENTS: Full instrument array with correct angled speedometer on passenger’s side. Includes fuel pump switchover, cooling fan over-ride and heated front screen
PAINT: Specially mixed green paint with Black detailing by SMS Autospray.
We now have the AK40’s in full production, following our purchase of the project from Southern GT. The standard chassis takes the well proven Ford 302 small block V8 but we’ve been able to modify the engine cradle to take the modern Ford Coyote quad cam engine.
We can build the chassis to take either a ZFQ or a Renault UN 1 transaxle, though the latter is getting increasingly hard to find now. Mountings for a Porsche G50 transaxle is something we’re looking at for the future.
The first stage in building our GT40 replica is to attach the 70 odd aluminium panels and floor and these are now available to get you started. This is no small task and will take you some time to complete. The next stage is to build up the 4 corners. The floor pan comes flat as standard with a floor dropped by 25mm available at extra cost.
Suspension arms and wishbones are available now, with items to complete the 4 corners – uprights, shocks and springs, wheels and tyres available to order. There is currently quite a long lead time for wheels and tyres – 12-16 weeks – so you will need to order these well in advance.
PLEASE CONTACT AK HQ FOR CURRENT AK40 PRICE LIST
A £1000.00 deposit will secure your AK40 chassis build slot. If you would like to come and visit or if you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact Jon or Neil by email mail@aksportscars.co.uk or phone 01733 267633.
Neil has been busy creating the AK40 build manual. We are releasing sections of the build manual now. Neil is still adding many hints and tips which is ongoing, in order to stay ahead of clients self- building!
Self- build to include:
Fully Factory Built to include the following:
A little bit of history on the Ford GT40. The Ford GT40 is a legendary sports car that was built by Ford Motor Company in the 1960s. It was specifically designed to compete in endurance racing, particularly the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The GT40 was developed as a response to Enzo Ferrari’s refusal to sell his company to Ford.
The GT40’s name stands for “Grand Touring, 40 inches high,” referring to its height of 40 inches (1.02 meters). It had a sleek and aerodynamic design, with a low-slung body and gull-wing doors. The car was powered by a V8 engine, initially a 4.2-liter unit, which was later upgraded to a 4.7-liter and then a 7.0-liter engine.
The GT40 made its racing debut in 1964 and faced initial challenges, but Ford continued to refine the car, and by 1966, it achieved its first victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The GT40 went on to win the prestigious race for four consecutive years from 1966 to 1969, establishing its dominance in endurance racing.
The success of the GT40 on the race track helped elevate Ford’s reputation and solidify its position as a serious competitor in the world of motorsports. Today, the GT40 is considered an iconic and highly sought-after classic car, with original models commanding high prices at auctions.
