Once known as the "Ford X-1", Kar Kraft converted the ex-Bruce McLaren prototype GT40 Roadster to Mk II specs for Shelby American. Upon taking delivery of the lovely red Ford, Shelby shipped both the Roadster and the team's beautiful blue #2 coupe to Sebring for the classic 12 hour race. In early practice the Roadster was fitted with a pair of automatic transmissions, neither of which could handle the awesome power developed by the thumping 7-liter Ford V8 powerplant.
Equipped with a standard gearbox for the balance of practice, qualifying, and the race itself, the race-ready GT40 Mk II Roadster had the right formula for success. Lighter than the Mk II Coupe but with equal power, only team orders could hold it back! During qualifying Miles and Ruby took it easy and still set the 5th fastest time.
Miles started in the #1 Roadster and took station behind the Parkes/Bondurant Ferrari 330P3, easily matching the pace of the Italian machinery. Gurney/Grant were delayed off the line but soon joined the battle up front and together the Ford teammates wore down the Ferrari. Though yet another glorious Ford victory seemed inevitable, the final order came as a shock!
Shelby had ordered Miles/Ruby to maintain a comfortable pace behind Gurney/Grant. The blue #2 coupe was set for success when the engine seized! Gurney coasted to a stop just 1/4 mile from the finish line where he immediately undertook to push the Ford. Miles blew by in the red #1 Roadster and was as surprised as anybody to find himself being waved into Victory Circle! The GT40 Mk II Roadster scored the perfect result in its first and last race.
