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Chassis:
The fourth GT Prototype, chassis GT/104 was built using a slightly lighter gauge steel for the monocoque. It was ready just in time for Le Mans where it briefly led in the hands of Jo Schlesser but was forced to retire due to a fire early in the race. The car was repaired and fitted with a slightly larger 289 V8, which was similar to the engines used in the Cobra. In this guise, it was shipped, along with GT/103, to Nassau for the prestigious Speed Week. Suspension failures on both cars meant that neither GT Prototype could even compete in a single race. Following the disappointing result both cars were sent to Shelby American for further development. Here it was found after exhaustive testing that reinforcements were needed to be made to many of the major components and both cars were upgraded accordingly. The changes paid off immediately as the two Shelby modified GTs placed first and third (this car) in the Daytona 2000 km race. Unfortunately, bad luck continued to pursue GT/104 for the remainder of the year. Following its retirement from contemporary, it was acquired by the Ford styling department, who restored it as a show car. Following its show duties, it was sold to its first private owner in 1972. The car was briefly believed to be the Daytona winner when it was acquired by Greg Lonberger in 1978 from first owner Bill Jacobs. At that time, it was partly restored and Lohberger had the intention to continue the work but the car lay disassembled for many years. It was then inspected by GT40 authority Ronnie Spain, who discovered that it was in fact the sister car to the Daytona winner. With the identity fully established, Lohberger picked up the restoration but when he sold it in June of 2010. The work was finally completed by specialists Lanzante in the following couple of years. Since the restoration was completed, it has been offered at auction twice.
| Chassis details |
| Manufactured in |
June 1964 |
| First owner |
Ford Motor Company |
| Last known location |
American Private Collection |
| Appearances |
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| Most recent auction(s) |
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