Chassis 1036

Figure 1 - GT40P #1036 was originally delivered in early 1966 to Shelby American as a "production race coupe". It was shipped with 3 other GT40's, all of which were semi-finished in primer paint. For unknown reasons, all of the cars ended up not being built by Shelby into racing GT40's, but were returned to the UK factory, still in primer. Shell Oil Company promptly purchased the entire group of 4 cars, and had the factory complete them for use in a Shell advertising program around Europe. The cars were fitted with "Shell"-labeled parachutes and exhibited at various European racetracks, where the chutes were popped while speeding down the main straight, a rather unorthodox braking method for a "road race" car.

Figure 2 - The underneath of chassis GT40P #1036 at the Watkins Glen GT40 reunion circa 1989. Contrary to earlier published reports, all restoration work was done in the USA. Note the correct reinforcing beads in the fuel sponson skins, structural ribs in the main floor pan, and rivets in the rear floor pans. [Photo Credit: John Allen]

Figure 3 - Top view of GT40P #1036's tub at Watkins Glen GT40 reunion, circa 1989, after comprehensive restoration. Note the cadmium plated a-arms, color-coded coil springs, magnesium steering rack, aluminum water tubes, orange stripe water hoses, aluminum oil cooler fittings & Simplifix oil lines, Kenlowe cooling fan, spare tire hold down straps, Mixo horns and front brake ductwork. [Photo Credit: John Allen]

Figure 4 - Since #1036 was originally delivered in primer paint, considerable thought was given during the restoration on "What would be the proper finish for the car?" Should it be Gray primer, as delivered to Shelby? Or, perhaps, the rather nondescript pale blue paint & wire wheel configuration when owned by Shell Oil? Or, maybe, the red finish with BRM wheels it wore during the 15 years of private ownership afterwards in the UK? Since none of the former paint schemes were considered to be a highly significant "point in time" for the car, the present owner decided that the restoration should combine characteristics of the most well known owner entities: Shelby American & Shell Oil. The result was Guardsman Blue and Wimbledon White paint (both traditional Shelby colors), highlighted with period-correct Shell Oil decals, rolling on BRM wheels.

Figure 5 - Noted Features: 8" BRM front wheel with period-correct 1960's Goodyear Bluestreak tire Front canard fin & wheel arch spat Race number roundel with Lucas illumination light

Figure 6 - Twin vent front fiberglass insert Special DZUS fasteners

Figure 7 - Final evolution fiberglass rear clip with larger wheel arches, additional vents, single tail lights Parachute mounting tabs re-located to lower body edge (originally mounted on rear deck of body)

Figure 8 - Per 1960's FIA fire marshal regulations, the red "dots' at various locations on the bodywork designate fiberglass construction The 12" BRM rear wheels have period-correct 1960's Goodyear Bluestreak tires.

Figure 9 - Nylon "race coupe" seat covers with nickle-plated ventilation grommets "Race coupe" dash & switch panels. The parachute activation switch is located to the lower left of the tach. Original leather covered steering wheel with GT40 emblem "Race coupe" steering column mounted high beam "flick" switch

Figure 10 - 289 "race prepped" engine with four 48mm webers Optional GT40 "race" valve covers with ventilation boxes 180 degree exhaust system, fabricated in stainless steel for longevity ZF transaxle oil cooler

Figure 11 - "Race coupe" Stewart Warner twin fuel pumps Correct cadmium plated BSP fittings & Simplifix stamped, textured rubber fuel lines Correct, date-coded Autolite racing spark plug wires Roof aperture for rear clip release ZF 5DS25-0 transaxle with special speedo gear driven coolant pump

Figure 12 - Original spare wheel and "Made in Great Britain" Goodyear tire Correct rubber hold-down straps & clips Kenlowe radiator cooling fan Correct wiper motor & Lucas washer bottle Correct riveted plexiglass headlight covers

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If you are a serious collector and require more information regarding these restorations of vintage race cars you may contact: info@racingicons.com Please understand that the fabrication work and parts shown on this website are done for specific individual race car restorations in our facility. Due to time and material constraints, we normally are not able to supply parts & services to other shops for restoration, or for replica construction. All materials presented, except as noted, are © RC International Software, Cincinnati, OH and may not be reproduced or reused for any purpose without the express, written consent of: RC International Software 2855 W North Bend Road Cincinnati, OH 45239 All rights under international copyright law are reserved. No affiliation with General Motors, Safir GT40 Spares, Ltd. or the Ford Motor Company is implied or assumed. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.