GT40 60TH Reunion Zooms Into PVGP Historics at Pitt Race this Summer
PITTSBURGH, PA (January 11, 2024)
The legendary GT40 turns 60 this year and a grand reunion is planned in conjunction with the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix’s Historic Races at Pittsburgh International Race Complex in Wampum, PA July 26 through 28, 2024.
It’s hard to believe that the GT40 has been around for 60 years. It seems not long ago that it was the first American car to win the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans. The Ford GT40 was first raced in May 1964 at Nürburgring.
The mystique of this legendary car grows with time. This gathering will feature original GT40 race cars, recreations and even modern days versions like the Ford GT. This is your chance to see them up close this summer in Pittsburgh.
Rick Muck, Managing Director of AutoventureUSA, the official host of the GT40 Reunion, stated “I have had the pleasure of attending two GT reunions, the 1989 Watkins Glen event and the 2009 Reunion at Road America. Anyone who was at one of these understands the historic nature of the event, the incredible cars, and the history and comradery that takes place there”.
AutoventureUSA and the PVGP welcome presenting sponsors, Superformance and SAFIR GT40. Superformance LLC builds the only authorized continuation GT40 worldwide under license from SAFIR GT40 Spares Ltd, who holds the GT40 trademarks and licensing rights. Together they have kept the legend alive and available for enthusiasts to drive and enjoy.
The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix Historics at Pitt Race previously hosted the successful national conventions for the Shelby American Automobile Club in 2019 and 2023. The Pitt Race facility is ideal for staging major car shows and the challenging world class track is ideal for GT40s that will have open track sessions and a special race group.
The PVGP has raced the above GT Mk IV at Pitt Race and both Ford GTs have been featured at our car shows. They all come together as part of the 60th Reunion!
The Reunion is welcoming all Ford GT variants, from the original 1964 Ford GT which became the GT40 in both Mk I and Mk II versions, the Mk IV which won both races it entered, the reborn 2005-2006 Ford GT and the latest in the GT lineup, the 2017-2024 Ford GT. Ford powered, accurate replicas are also welcome to attend
Many famous and historic GT40s will be in attendance along with significant people that were involved in the development, racing and the history of these fabulous cars. The full schedule and list of events will be published shortly. For information and details, visit www.fordgtreunion.com
PVGP Executive Director Dan DelBianco is equally excited about the Reunion stating “Pittsburgh shares a part of GT40 history when Grady Davis, Executive Vice President of Pittsburgh-based Gulf Oil started a GT40 racing team with John Wyer Automotive Engineering. The Chassis 1075 won at Le Mans in 1968 and 1969 in its famous blue and orange Gulf Oil livery”.
“We are excited to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the iconic GT40 at the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix,” said Lance Stander, CEO of Superformance. “The fierce wheel-to-wheel action is the perfect backdrop to show the public that they can still order a genuine GT40 through Superformance today. We look forward to being part of the high-octane action as the ‘Ford versus Ferrari’ battle returns to the track for a few glorious days.”
“Safir GT40 is pleased to be associated with the Reunion, says John Sadler, Director of Safir. We look forward to the gathering of these very special vehicles. In the world of motorsport, GT40 has earned an exceptional reputation as a successful racing machine and superb sports car. Enjoying the sound and sight of these very special cars is a treat.”
About AutoventureUSA
AutoventureUSA, manufactures and distributes specialty parts primarily for Cobras, both original and replica as well as parts for the Superformance GT40s. It is wholly owned and operated by Rick Muck. Rick’s background includes a family Ford dealership that was founded in 1919. In conjunction with the Ford dealership, he imported and distributed the Autokraft AC MK IV “Cobra” in the 80’s after being involved with the certification of the car to US regulations. He operated a Ford oriented parts and restoration business after leaving the Ford Dealership. After becoming acquainted with Jim Price, the owner of Hi Tech Automotive and the Superformance brand he became a Superformance dealer until his sale of the dealership in 2022.
CONTACT
Rick Muck AutoventureUSA Phone (716) 812-3938