In the 1960’s, GT racing was arguably the most popular if not the most recognizable form of automotive racing. Model kits, slot cars of all scales and magazine articles galore covered Sebring, the USRRC, LeMans and the FIA Group 4 events had enthusiasts following the their favorite makes and models of the day. The GT format had some of the most cutting edge technology of the day and some the biggest break throughs in chassis, motor and aerodynamics came in this era. Privateers and major manufacturers were all in and we saw some of the best in automotive innovation from the likes of General Motors, Chaparral, Ford and Shelby. Auto World captures this spirit in the new ThunderJet release GT Icons (SC415). It’s time to take a step back in time and look at some of these history makers.
#1A 1967 Chaparral 2F – White #222 – Hill/Sharp
The first history maker we have is the 1967 Chaparral 2F #222 driven in the Targa Florio by Phil Hill and Hap Sharp. They qualified third and had to retire from the race due to a punctured tire.
#1B 1967 Chaparral 2F – White #7 – Spence/Hill
The next Chaparral 2F, #7, was driven by Mike Spence and Phil Hill in the 1967 24 Hours of LeMans. The car qualified second and had the race lap record of 3 minutes, 5 seconds, but retired from the race with a failed transmission, an issue finally resolved with the 2F when it won at Brands Hatch later that year.
#2A 1964 Corvette Grand Sport – Metallic Blue/White #2 – Foyt/Cannon
General Motors was still adhering to the 1957 racing ban that the American auto manufacturers had agreed to. However, Ford had jumped into racing with it’s Total Performance initiative and Mopar was doing their part as well. GM was a bit more stealthy, with their approach. John Mecom’s racing team fielded the Corvette Grand Sport entries and had A.J. Foyt and John Cannon as the drivers. They managed to finish 23rd after losing a wheel in the ninth hour of the race.
#2B 1964 Corvette Grand Sport – Chrome Silver/White #2
#3A 1965 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe – Metallic Blue/White #5
The Shelby Daytona Coupe was Ford’s first answer to GT competition and #5 was the first prototype and the only Dayton Coupe that was completely built in the U.S. The other four cars had the bodies finished in Italy. The Daytona Coupe was designed by Peter Brock, famous for the BRE Datsun racers.
#3B 1965 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe – Metallic Green/White #8
I had to do a little digging on this one as there were some later replica Daytona Coupes raced and I found references to a listing for a green “AC Cobra Daytona Coupe” racing under the numbers 8, 3 and 124. It appears to run at historic racing events.
#4A 1966 Ford GT40 – Lime Green/White #95 – Bales/Miles
This was another one of those challenges to find references on, but they are out there! This car’s livery was part of the Ford v Ferrari movie and was driven by Ken Miles (Christian Bales) in the 24 Hours of Daytona scenes. This particular car was repainted as four different liveries and lives in the current Lime/White #95 in the Volo Museum, in Volo Il.
#4B 1966 Ford GT40 – Red/White/Black #80
Okay, this has me stumped, but I like the livery! I cannot find a reference so I’m calling it a very cool fantasy livery and will be glad to correct the entry if anyone knows the origins. I went back through Ford v Ferrari as well and found a #88 that was close, but a bit different. But I do like the layout and it is easy to spot on the track!
Here’s the packaging for the 2025 Auto World ThunderJet SC415 GT Icons.
And a few more angles of this great release.
I had lobbied for this release for the historic references. It’s good to know that the guys at Auto World do listen to our requests. The historic liveries and the racing nostalgia are big winners here and to see those ties to real racing are very welcome. Good job Auto World! You can pick these up now at your favorite web store or your local hobby shop.