Shelby American had their hands full preparing three Ford GT40 Mk IIs for Le Mans qualifying in May. Ford, however, had set their sights on having eight cars ready for competition. Shelby had three cars, Holman Moody another three, and three chassis were sent to England where Alan Mann Racing prepared them in time for the great race. These chassis bypassed the Ford Advanced Vehicles department and were never stamped with GT40 serial numbers. They were instead numbered XGT-1 (yellow #8), XGT-2 (silver #7) and XGT-3 (a spare car) by AMR.
Englishman John Whitmore, who had driven for Alan Mann on many prior occasions, teamed with Australian Frank Gardner to pilot the #8 Ford GT40 Mk II. Whitmore had an exciting start to the race, beginning with the famous 'Le Mans Start' sprint to the cars. His was the first to move, but the engine stalled! Its engine refired, Whitmore's Ford jumped forward, thumping into Parkes' Ferrari and then Miles' #1 Mk II! Despite the rough start, Whitmore was fifth across the line at the end of the first lap.
Though the AMR-entered cars were meticulously prepared, troubles began early: a fractured rear brake line, clutch master cylinder, and a leak that sprayed oil onto the rear tire, causing Gardner an exciting moment. The beautiful #8 car was eventually retired.
