Ford GT40 Mk II 'X-1' Roadster(diecast 1:18, Exoto Racing Legends)
- Ford GT40 Mk II 'X-1' Roadster (from 1966)
- Exoto Racing Legends
- 1:18
- Showcase model / No engine
- diecast
- Authentic Yellow
- 19046
- Not specified
- Not specified
- Not for sale
Exoto-Diecast im Maßstab 1/18: Roadster-Klassiker in der Sammlung von Phat‑T
The model shown here is an open Ford GT40 Mk II X‑1 Roadster and is a diecast scale model in 1/18 from Exoto Racing Legends. The miniature is made of diecast (pressure‑cast) material, so it has a realistic weight and crisp edges and panel gaps. In the photos you can see the low, open body painted yellow with black stripes; the typical GT40 “FORD” lettering runs along the side. The Halibrand‑style wheels and tires with lettering faithfully recreate the historic race look. The version with removable body panels reveals the engine and suspension when opened. For collectors who want a precise replica, Exoto Racing Legends delivers a very detailed depiction of a special piece of the GT40 family in 1/18.
History and tech of the original: From roadster prototype to Mk‑II test mule
The Ford GT40 Mk II X‑1 Roadster came out of Ford’s extensive development program in the mid‑1960s to build an endurance winner. The predecessor, the Ford GT40 Mk I, laid the groundwork. Key people involved included Eric Broadley (Lola Cars), Roy Lunn and John Wyer; test and development driver Ken Miles influenced many details. The generation shown here is the Mk II, built from 1965 onward; the X‑1 single car itself was fitted to Mk‑II spec in 1966. While most GT40s had a closed roof, the X‑1 was an open roadster built on a particularly light aluminum honeycomb monocoque from Abbey Panels. In the Mk‑II setup it used a 7.0‑liter V8 (427 cui) putting out roughly 485–500 hp, paired with the Kar‑Kraft four‑speed T‑44 gearbox. Typical GT40 proportions remain: length about 4.06 m (13 ft 3.8 in), width 1.78 m (5 ft 10.1 in) and only around 1.03 m (3 ft 4.6 in) tall.
Racing use of the X‑1: Sebring 1966 and a rolling test lab
The Ford GT40 Mk II X‑1 Roadster was primarily a test mule for Mk‑II aerodynamics, weight and durability. The car became known for its part in the 12 Hours of Sebring 1966, where the open GT40 was raced by Ken Miles and Lloyd Ruby for Shelby American and scored a notable result. The roadster benefited from lower weight versus the coupes, while the 7.0‑liter V8 and T‑44 gearbox provided durability. For Sebring the X‑1 got its own rear geometry with tall side fins and large ventilation openings. In testing and practice it was also used to try brake cooling, exhaust layouts (the “bundle of snakes”) and front suspension geometry. Although the car ran in only a few events, the data it generated had a big influence on Mk‑II coupe setups for the 1966 season.
GT40 program successes: Daytona, Le Mans and the drivers involved
The bigger picture around the Ford GT40 Mk II X‑1 Roadster is the Mk‑II program, which dominated several endurance races in 1966. Mk‑II coupes already scored a 1‑2‑3 at the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1966. The high point was the overall win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans 1966, when Ford finally achieved the long‑sought victory. Drivers who shaped the GT40 project include Bruce McLaren, Chris Amon, Denny Hulme, Jackie Ickx and Dan Gurney. The X‑1 acted as a technical contributor by testing open‑body variants and lightweight solutions. Many findings — for example on brake cooling and exhaust routing — flowed into the coupes that then delivered the program’s race successes. The roadster remained a one‑off and wasn’t developed further after the 1966 season.
Details of the miniature: Paint, visible mechanics and markings
The 1/18 scale model from Exoto Racing Legends uses a yellow base coat with two black center stripes over the nose and subtle black trim stripes on the rear wing. The side shows the black double line with the “FORD” lettering; this understated look matches the test/experimental character of the real car. The open bodyline is obvious on the model: flat chassis, deep seating tub and the characteristic cutouts in the doors. You can clearly see the riveted edges around the windscreen and door tops, the fine hood hinges and the round hood fasteners. The Halibrand wheels carry white Goodyear lettering on the tires; this sample doesn’t show many sponsor decals, reinforcing the test‑car feel. With the front and rear hoods opened you can see the radiators, brake lines and the V8 with its tightly packed headers. Inside there are perforated seat surfaces, harnesses and a functional‑looking dash. The accurate open‑top silhouette, the small rear vents and the tight panel gaps show this is a diecast model with working panels. This piece is part of collector “Phat‑T”’s collection and gives enthusiasts a compact, well‑executed look at the form, tech and appearance of the unique Ford GT40 Mk II X‑1 Roadster.
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