A Collector’s Dream Car – The Alan Mann GT-1

At Gateway Bronco, trucks and SUVs aren’t the only legendary vehicles that interest us. Weekends regularly have us at the track racing a genuine 1967 Shelby GT350 or participating at car events nationwide. Sometimes we run into cars like The Alan Mann GT-1.

We  enjoy all of Ford’s high-performance offerings, like this 1966 Alan Mann Lightweight Ford GT40 that will be up for sale at Gooding & Company’s upcoming Pebble Beach Auction during Monterey Collector Car Week.

Alan Mann – Creating a Legend

Alan Mann was a part-time racing driver and team manager who created his own team. Based in Byfleet, Surrey, near the Brooklands race circuit, Alan Mann Racing became  famous for running a substantial part of the Ford racing effort in Europe from 1964 to 1969. The team was resurrected in 2004 and is active in historic racing. The team’s red and gold livery can be seen regularly at events such as the Silverstone Classic, the Goodwood Festival of Speed and the Goodwood Revival.

When it comes to Ford GT40s, “AM GT-1” is a legend. Just like Big Oly in the Bronco world, this GT40 has unbelievable race history in its rear-view mirror. Having been owned for the past 40 years by the same individual, the sale of this race car didn’t come lightly.

A Word From The Auction House

“Delivered in late 1965, Alan Mann’s purpose-built GT40 tubs were designated with unique “AMGT40” serial numbers, rather than the standard Ford sequence. Among many important changes, these special chassis incorporated a lightweight aluminum upper-superstructure, built-in crossover fuel system, and additional suspension pickup points, allowing Alan Mann to fine-tune the car’s handling with adjustable castor, lower roll centers, less anti-dive up front, and less anti-squat at the rear.

The first two chassis, numbered AM GT-1 and AM GT-2, were built up by Alan Mann into prototype Lightweight models, while the remaining three tubs would later be built up by Shelby American into Mk IIs numbered XGT-1 through XGT-3.

These Alan Mann Lightweights were utterly unique and represented the most advanced version of the small-block GT40 to date. In addition to their custom designed chassis, the Alan Mann GT40s featured bespoke bodywork, fashioned entirely from ultra-lightweight .030-thickness aluminum, in lieu of traditional fiberglass. The bodies were distinguished by their flat sides, with riveted side intake scoops, Mk II-style deck scoops, and narrower roof section. In their effort to reduce weight, Alan Mann Racing left the lower rocker sills open, without the typical fiberglass covering, allowing the horizontal stiffening ribs to be seen. The result was the lightest GT40 ever built, with a curb weight of just 2,160 pounds.

Mechanically, the Alan Mann Lightweights featured Ford’s formidable competition spec 289 cid engine coupled to a prototype five-speed ZF transaxle. The filling system in the driver’s-side rear bodywork was a novel feature, allowing oil to be added to the sump without opening the tail. The Lightweight GT40s also featured Phil Remington’s clever quick change brake system, adjustable upper control arms, and Halibrand magnesium wheels.

Completed in March 1966 and finished in Alan Mann’s livery of Ford Monaco Red with gold stripes, AM GT-1 and AM GT-2 debuted at the 12 Hours of Sebring.”

– David Brynan, Gooding & Company

Similar to the Carroll Shelby-owned 1966 VIN 001 Bronco currently residing at Gateway Bronco, AM GT-1 is quite special. The in-depth history of the car is amazing.

As This Week’s Auction Approaches We’ve Outlined The Features That Make This Vehicle So Unique:

• The first of two aluminum-bodied lightweights built by Alan Mann Racing.
• Driven by Whitmore and Gardner at Sebring and Le Mans Test Weekend in 1966.
• Documented provenance includes Holman & Moody, Buck Fulp, and Douglas Champlin.
• Exceptional award-winning restoration by renowned GT40 expert Robert Ash.
• Retained by one owner for nearly 40 years; never before offered for public sale.
• The car should be eligible for historic race events worldwide.

Technical Specs

• 289 CID Ford 6CFE OHV V-8 Engine
• Four Weber 48 IDA Carburetors
• 425 BHP at 6,000 RPM
• 5-Speed ZF Manual Transaxle
• 4-Wheel Ventilated Disc Brakes
• 4-Wheel Independent Coil-Spring Suspension

Gateway Bronco will be a key part of Monterey Collector Car Week this year. Along with the sale of the Ford GT40, Gateway Bronco will unveil a new vehicle that week. Keep your eyes out for news on this exciting new product from our team!

Photos courtesy of Gooding & Company