Ford GT40 MK II(diecast 1:18, Exoto Racing Legends)
- Ford GT40 MK II (from 1966)
- Exoto Racing Legends
- 1:18
- Showcase model / No engine
- diecast
- black
- 18040
- Not specified
- Not specified
- Not for sale
Historical context and where the model fits
The model shown is based on the Ford GT40 Mk II, an evolution of Ford’s GT program. The Mk II ran from about 1966 and replaced the Mk I as the immediate successor. The goal was to field a competitive car in endurance racing, especially at Le Mans (the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans). Key people involved were Roy Lunn (Ford Advanced Vehicles), John Wyer (team/project lead), Carroll Shelby (U.S. team development) and Eric Broadley, whose Lola GT gave early inspiration. The Ford GT40 Mk II was responsible for Ford’s 1–2–3 win at Le Mans in 1966 and marked the program’s high point. To give some idea of the era: 1966 was also the year England won the World Cup, the Beatles released the album “Revolver,” and the TV series “Star Trek” debuted in the U.S. — just to make the car’s age and context feel more tangible.
Technical features of the Ford GT40 Mk II
Compared with the Mk I, the Ford GT40 Mk II got a big 7.0 L (427 cu in) V8 from the Ford FE family (“427”), which in race tune made roughly 360–485 SAE hp. It was mated to a sturdy T-44 four-speed gearbox from Kar-Kraft to handle the high torque. The chassis used a steel-sheet monocoque with bolted-on front and rear subframes; the body panels were fiberglass. Suspension was independent all around with wishbones, coil springs and adjustable dampers, and it ran large vented Girling disc brakes. The aero was optimized over the Mk I for high-speed sections; signature features were the roof-cut doors, the very low profile (the name comes from about 1.02 m (40 inches) height), and air inlets for engine and brake cooling. Wheelbase was about 2,413 mm (95.0 inches / 7.92 ft), overall length roughly 4.1 m (13.45 ft). On the Mulsanne straight the Ford GT40 Mk II could exceed 320 km/h (≈199 mph) depending on gearing. Changes over the predecessor also included larger radiators, extra oil cooling, bigger brakes and more robust ancillaries for 24-hour races. Fuel was carried in two side tanks; refueling was set up to minimize pit stop time.
The piece in “Phat-T”’s collection: accuracy at 1/18 scale
The photos show a 1/18-scale model from Exoto Racing Legends, based on the Ford GT40 Mk II without heavy race livery. This example is from collector “Phat-T.” It’s diecast metal, so the body shells feel solid and have realistic heft. You can see a lot of collector-friendly details: rivet rows around the front and headlight surrounds; functioning-looking hood fasteners with safety cables at the front; flat clear covers over the lights; a clean NACA-like inlet on the front hood; and the distinctive roof-cut doors with surrounding rivet lines. The side windows have the typical sliding panels. The wheels have center-lock detail and period-correct tires with “GOODYEAR” lettering — though the exact wheel maker can’t be positively ID’d from the photos. Proportions look right: the very low body, wide tires and the long engine cover capture the real car’s character. Inside, as far as you can see through the glass, there are bucket seats, harnesses and an implied roll structure. The fact it’s an Exoto Racing Legends model signals fine detailing and good dimensional accuracy to many collectors.
Paint, looks and collector value
The model is painted solid black with no race numbers or sponsor decals, so it reads like a road/test or display version — the kind used for shakedowns or presentations. The hood shows hinted service panels, tie-downs and rivets, which nicely illustrate the original’s construction. At the rear you can see the upper air intake with an overlying channel; the silhouette stays clean and low, with a gentle swell over the rear wheel arches. The simple paint scheme makes panel lines, gaps and fasteners stand out rather than hiding them under liveries. The tires with white manufacturer lettering give a sober contrast to the black paint. Overall the model is a balanced, accurate little reproduction of the Ford GT40 Mk II — from the small side mirror to the center-lock wheels and rivet lines — and it’s not tied to any movie or bespoke tuning shop in this form. For international model collectors it’s a solid diecast replica of an important 1960s Le Mans prototype; in “Phat-T”’s collection it clearly represents the era of big sports prototypes well.
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