1966 Ford GT40MKII XGT-1

[Gramps46]

WIX 1966 Ford GT40MKII XGT-1 Transformation

This is a makeover of the diecast WIX GT40 into the 1966 XGT-1 #8 as raced at Le Mans in 1966 by Whitmore and Gardner.

 

XGT-1 was ordered, with Ford sponsorship, from Abbey Panels for Alan Mann as a lightweight chassis and shipped to Shelby American for completion as a 427 MKII, then shipped back to Mann for race preparation for the Ford effort at Le Mans in 1966.  XGT-1 was entered and supported in the race by Holman-Moody.

The WIX 1/24 diecast model was sponsored by WIX to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Ford win at Le Mans.  The model was designed by Icons Global and produced in China with the anniversary markings.  What is rare is it is the only 1/24 GT40 diecast known to me (except the Majorettes and modern Welly Ford GTs) and is frequently available for about the price of a new model kit.

The objective was to convert the model to look like XGT-1 at Le Mans because of the color match.  The first step was to remove the tampo printed markings using non-acetone finger nail polish remover (ref. Snake, Madhorseman, et al) which does not harm the paint.  Indycals offers the correct decals for the #8 including the tiny Alan Mann markings on the sills.

(some of  you old timers might recognize the engine stand)

XGT-1 is currently in the Simeone collection near Philadelphia.  I was able to find detail pictures of when it was shown opened up outside at the collection.  Of special note is the chassis is dark blue, typical of many GT40s from Abbey Panels.  The way the model was designed there are many screws holding parts together and some are hidden under parts which are glued in place.

The wheels, though pretty accurate, needed attention and were painted to resemble a magnesium color with just a tinge of gold.  The knock offs were painted in raw aluminum.  Wheel weight tape and valve stems were added.  The tires are very difficult to remove from the rims and the raised areas on the outside of the wheels were ground down to make reassembly easier.

The rear end needed some attention with paint added to the rear sub frame.  The engine compartment is quite detailed but the chrome need to be toned down.

 

The interior could use some detail painting touch up and the addition seat belts.   The truly odd thing about the interior of the model is the mounting of rear view mirrors on the inside of the doors.  These were removed as was the roll cage which only appeared in the 1967 MKIIBs.  One word of caution is the doors are very stiff to open.  Detail touch up painting was applied under the front “bonnet”.

Unusual are the seat stickers for the grommet.  The passenger seat belt and harness is questionable.

The engine, blue, aluminum intake and front cover, orange plug wires. The oil sump alum, exhaust pipes, plumbing and wires.  Missing front pulleys and water pump.

[randyc]

Ok, I love it!   Got me wondering if I would want to do that to mine or get another one to redo.   Is the juice worth the squeeze?   I like the commemorative version, but a real car would be even better?   What other schemes could be created from this model?  Decals from Indycals?  I might not go as far as you did.  Of course, I have to get back into models first...  

But I'm glad you did it for us all to see.

[Snake45]

Very, VERY cool! Excellent work and model on! 

[vamach1]

Nice to see another project in the win column.  Taking apart a diecast is never fun but you got it back together and improved it immensely.  It was neat to see the real car last year and hopefully you can someday get back to Philly to take some pictures of them together.  As you mentioned WIX could have sold a whole lot more of these had they been painted in the correct markings for the 66 Lemans lineup.  The MENG kit will have to do for anyone wanting to make a nice MKII with an engine and opening doors, etc unlike the Fujumi kits that have been around for decades.  Well done Gary.

[vamach1]

Crazy Ebay prices on them now.  These used to be $40-$50 not that long ago.

Here’s my #8 from leftover IMC and Testors parts that I started years ago but without the blue chassis but with a few parts from a Fujumi kit.

 

[1959scudetto]

3 hours ago, Gramps46 said:

WIX 1966 Ford GT40MKII XGT-1 Transformation

This is a makeover of the diecast WIX GT40 into the 1966 XGT-1 #8 as raced at Le Mans in 1966 by Whitmore and Gardner.

 

XGT-1 was ordered, with Ford sponsorship, from Abbey Panels for Alan Mann as a lightweight chassis and shipped to Shelby American for completion as a 427 MKII, then shipped back to Mann for race preparation for the Ford effort at Le Mans in 1966.  XGT-1 was entered and supported in the race by Holman-Moody.

The WIX 1/24 diecast model was sponsored by WIX to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Ford win at Le Mans.  The model was designed by Icons Global and produced in China with the anniversary markings.  What is rare is it is the only 1/24 GT40 diecast known to me (except the Majorettes and modern Welly Ford GTs) and is frequently available for about the price of a new model kit.

The objective was to convert the model to look like XGT-1 at Le Mans because of the color match.  The first step was to remove the tampo printed markings using non-acetone finger nail polish remover (ref. Snake, Madhorseman, et al) which does not harm the paint.  Indycals offers the correct decals for the #8 including the tiny Alan Mann markings on the sills.

(some of  you old timers might recognize the engine stand)

XGT-1 is currently in the Simeone collection near Philadelphia.  I was able to find detail pictures of when it was shown opened up outside at the collection.  Of special note is the chassis is dark blue, typical of many GT40s from Abbey Panels.  The way the model was designed there are many screws holding parts together and some are hidden under parts which are glued in place.

The wheels, though pretty accurate, needed attention and were painted to resemble a magnesium color with just a tinge of gold.  The knock offs were painted in raw aluminum.  Wheel weight tape and valve stems were added.  The tires are very difficult to remove from the rims and the raised areas on the outside of the wheels were ground down to make reassembly easier.

The rear end needed some attention with paint added to the rear sub frame.  The engine compartment is quite detailed but the chrome need to be toned down.

 

The interior could use some detail painting touch up and the addition seat belts.   The truly odd thing about the interior of the model is the mounting of rear view mirrors on the inside of the doors.  These were removed as was the roll cage which only appeared in the 1967 MKIIBs.  One word of caution is the doors are very stiff to open.  Detail touch up painting was applied under the front “bonnet”.

Unusual are the seat stickers for the grommet.  The passenger seat belt and harness is questionable.

The engine, blue, aluminum intake and front cover, orange plug wires. The oil sump alum, exhaust pipes, plumbing and wires.  Missing front pulleys and water pump.

Excellent transformation, Gary - I have been thinking about doing the same with my wix diecast - the LM 66 Whitmore-Gardner version is the logical step.

[cobraman]

Great job Gary. That is one great looking car.

[Gramps46]

Thanks to all for your comments.  One thing I did find with the Indycals decals is the instructions say to use Solvaset but I found it was too strong and switched to Microscale Micro Sol setting solution and it worked a lot better.

[slusher]

Great looking car, sir…

[Len Woodruff]

Love the Ford GT MK II's

[randyc]

Looked at the SOLD listings - prices are everywhere on these.   If I could get $100 for mine, I'd put it in the wind.  However, I dond;t usually have that kind of luck.   So I'll hold for now.