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Ruffian40: A Modern Superformance-Based Homage to the 1966 Ford GT40

Ruffian’s modern Superformance-based GT40 build references Ford’s 1966 Le Mans history, with a builder-listed 580-hp Ford Racing 52XS and bespoke chassis and bodywork.
Entry818 Date Time3 min MechanicCarCody Team
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The Ruffian40 is a modern custom build based on a Superformance GT40 Mark I—not an original 1966 Ford GT40 race car. Ruffian Cars says the project was revealed at SEMA 2021. Its published specification pairs a Ford Racing 52XS engine rated by the builder at 580 hp with a Quaife 5S dogleg transaxle and extensively updated chassis, brakes and bodywork.

What is the Ruffian40?

Ruffian Cars describes the Ruffian40 as a high-tech modernization built on a Superformance GT40 Mark I chassis. The company says a project that began with plans for an engine and transaxle installation developed into a broader restomod, revealed at SEMA 2021. Those details come from the builder’s project page; its figures and descriptions are published specifications, not independent test results.

The title’s “2022” should not be read as a confirmed model year or debut year: Ruffian’s project page identifies the SEMA 2021 reveal, but does not establish 2022 as the car’s model year. Ruffian’s language about the car also varies by page: the project page frames it as a modernization and homage, while the company’s current cars overview says it was not treated as a replica or tribute. The clear distinction is that this is a custom, modern Superformance-based build with a historical design reference.

Is the Ruffian40 a real 1966 Ford GT40?

No. Ruffian identifies its car as based on a Superformance GT40 Mark I; it does not identify it as an original 1960s Ford race car. The 1966 connection is an homage, not a claim of original provenance.

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#1 Best Overall
LUPPA Classic 1:43 American GT40 MK 1 1967 Diecast Car - Collectible Legendary Vintage Model with Display Base & Precisely Crafted for True Collectors
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The historical reference is significant. Ford’s account of the 1966 Le Mans race says its cars were running first, second and third with two hours remaining, then describes the team’s decision to manage the finish. Ford quotes driver Ken Miles describing his response to the team’s instruction: “I work for the Ford Motor Company… if they want me to win the race, why, I’ll do it… and if they ask me to jump in a lake, why I’ll guess I will have to do that as well.” This is Ford Motor Company’s account of the race, not an independent history. Read Ford’s account of the GT40 and Le Mans.

What engine is in the Ruffian40?

Ruffian lists a Ford Racing 52XS engine with 580 hp, 445 ft-lb of torque, an 8,000-rpm rev limit and 12:1 compression. The builder specifies 91-octane fuel and a Hyperfuel swirl-pot fuel pump. These are the company’s undated published build figures, not independently measured output or performance results.

Rank #2
Shelby Collectibles SC404S 1966 Ford GT-40 MK 2 Silver No.7 1-18 Diecast Car Model
  • Brand new 1/18 scale diecast car model of 1966 Ford GT-40 MK II #7 Silver die cast model car by Shelby Collectibles.
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  • Opening hood, doors and engine compartment. Detailed interior, exterior, engine compartment. Dimensions approximately L-9.25, W-4, H-2.25 inches. Please note that manufacturer may change packing box at anytime. Product will stay exactly the same.

The engine is paired with a Quaife 5S dogleg transaxle. Ruffian also lists Torco SR-5R 5W-50 oil and equal-length 180-degree headers with vacuum-operated bypass valves. The engine-management system is Ford Control Pack 2.

What makes it different from a standard GT40?

Ruffian’s specification describes a custom combination of chassis hardware, widebody parts, modern convenience features and distinctive wheel-and-tire fitments. The available information does not provide a complete standard GT40 specification, so it supports identifying the changes, not calculating numerical differences from a standard car.

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Rank #3
KiNSMART Ford GT40 MKII Heritage Edition 5" 1:32 Scale Die Cast Metal Model Toy Super Race Car
  • ICONIC SCALE MODEL: KiNSMART Ford GT40 MKII Heritage Edition die cast metal toy car in a 1:32 scale, measuring approximately 5 inches long.
  • DIE CAST METAL CONSTRUCTION: Built from high-quality die cast metal for a realistic look and feel, making it a great collectible or play toy.
  • PULLBACK ACTION: Features a fun pull-back motor mechanism that lets the car zoom forward on its own with a simple pull and release.
  • OPENABLE DOORS & RUBBER TIRES: Doors open for added realism, and rubber tires provide smooth rolling on most flat surfaces.
  • RECOMMENDED AGE: Designed for children ages 3 and up. Contains small parts — not suitable for children under 3 years of age.
Area Ruffian40 specification
Base Superformance GT40 Mark I chassis
Suspension and steering Bilstein shocks, KW front-end lift and Flaming River electronically assisted rack-and-pinion steering
Brakes Wilwood six-piston calipers and 14-inch rotors
Wheels Signature THREE centerlocks: 18×11 front and 19×14 rear
Tires Toyo Proxes R888R: 295/30/18 front and 345/30/19 rear
Bodywork Competition Carbon widebody kit and side skirts; a 1/8-inch aluminum-sheet rear spoiler
Cabin and visibility Custom Speedhut Ruffian GT40 gauges, Vintage Air air conditioning and a Gentex rear-view camera

The tire dimensions and component choices above are build-specific fitments from Ruffian’s project specification, not general recommendations for other GT40s. The car also has a roof scoop originally designed and built by Chris Ashton. Ruffian says Ashton designed, 3D-printed, finished, wired and installed the headlights.

What is known—and not established—about its performance?

The published horsepower, torque and rev limit describe the builder’s engine specification. They do not establish acceleration, top speed, lap time, road behavior or reliability. Ruffian’s project page does not provide an independently conducted road test, verified vehicle weight or measured performance results, so those outcomes cannot be inferred from the parts list.

Rank #4
1966 Ford GT-40 MK 2 Gulf Blue Dirty Version #1 1/18 Diecast Car Model by Shelby Collectibles
  • Brand new box. Real rubber tires. Steerable wheels. Made of diecast with some plastic parts. Detailed interior, exterior, engine compartment. Opening hood, doors and engine compartment. Dimensions approximately L-9.25, W-4, H-2.25 inches.
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Can you get a Ruffian40 build book?

Ruffian’s official listing describes a 192-page, 9-by-12-inch softcover build book with a matching full-color PDF. The official product listing currently marks it sold out; that status may change.

Best Value
Solido 1:18 Scale Ford GT40 MK.1 Yellow 1968 Diecast Model Car S1803011
  • SOLIDO BRAND QUALITY: Solido is known for producing high-quality diecast model cars with exceptional detail, durable construction, and accurate representations of real vehicles. Each model is crafted with precision and built to last.
  • FORD OFFICIALLY LICENSED MODEL: This Ford GT40 MK.1 model is produced under official Ford licensing, allowing Solido to reproduce the distinctive design and trademarks associated with the legendary GT40. The GT40 became one of the most famous endurance racing cars of the 1960s and is closely associated with Ford’s international motorsport success. Official licensing ensures the model accurately reflects the styling, body shape, and branding of the original vehicle.
  • FEATURES & DETAILS: This 1:18 scale Ford GT40 MK.1 diecast model measures approximately 9.5 inches in length and recreates the low, aerodynamic profile of the classic endurance racing car. The model features opening front doors that allow a view of the interior detailing including seats and dashboard elements. Finished in a yellow 1968 racing-inspired presentation, the model is designed for display and does not include a separate display base.
  • TOP QUALITY MATERIALS: This model is produced using a diecast metal body combined with precisely molded plastic components for the interior, wheels, and fine exterior details. The paint finish and exterior markings are carefully applied to reflect the appearance of the Ford GT40 MK.1. Body contours, ventilation openings, wheel design, and interior details demonstrate Solido’s approach to producing collectible diecast automotive replicas.
  • COLLECTIBLE DISPLAY ITEM: Intended for collectors aged 14 and above, this Ford GT40 MK.1 model is designed as a collectible display piece rather than a toy. Its classic endurance racing design, detailed craftsmanship, and large 1:18 scale format make it a strong addition to automotive collections. This diecast model also makes a suitable gift for Ford enthusiasts, motorsport fans, and collectors of historic racing vehicles.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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