WSC60 Ford GT X1 Roadster

In late 1965, two experimental, all-alumimum GT40 chassis were manufactured by Abbey Panels in England. One of the tubs was shipped back to Ford’s Kar Kraft’s Dearborn for testing, never to be seen again. The remaining aluminum chassis, GT110, was shipped to McLaren to become a lightweight open version of the 427 GT40 which raced at the 1965 LeMans. Under contract, McLaren would assemble, prepare and race the aluminum car.

The X-1 was a roadster built to contest the Fall 1965 North American Pro Series, a forerunner of Can-Am, entered by the Bruce McLaren team and driven by Chris Amon. The real purpose of this car was to test several improvements originating from Kar Kraft, Shelby and McLaren. Unfortunately the X1 was unable to secure a victory in its original McLaren configuration. At the hands of Chris Amon, the X1 raced in four times in 1965, most of which resulted in the car not finishing.

To the disappointment of McLaren, the X1 was handed over to Shelby American at the end of the 1965 season. Shelby studied and the roadster and then it was sent to Kar Kraft to be extensively modified as a test car. Heavier headers and a heavier T44 manual transmission were installed.

It was later upgraded to Mk.II specifications with a 7.0-liter (427 ci) engine and a standard four ratio Kar Kraft (subsidiary of Ford) gearbox, however the car kept specific features such as its open roof and lightweight aluminum chassis. Other temporary modifications to the X1 included testing of Ford’s two speed automatic transmission, and aerodynamic work, both of which led to shape the Ford J Car. After the testing was finshed, a standard Mark II nose was fitted to the X1.

The final race for GT110 came at the 1966 Sebring Race. Driven by Ken Miles and Lloyd Ruby, the red painted roadster took the overall victory despite competition from Ferrari’s 330 P3, Chapparals and Porsches. After the race, provisions were made for Holman & Moody to rebuild X1, but sadly the plan was never acted upon.

The X-1 was a one-off and having been built in the United Kingdom and being liable for United States tariffs, was later ordered to be destroyed by United States customs officials.