A Resurrected Ford GT40 Hits the Streets!

In the realm of automotive dreams, few icons stand as tall as the legendary Ford GT40. For Wouter Havenga, those boyhood fantasies adorned his bedroom walls in the form of posters, fueling a fervent desire to one day call a GT40 his own. Little did he know that his dream would evolve into a thrilling saga of restoration, resilience, and the sweet taste of victory on the streets of Gauteng.

Photos by Jan van Der Walt

The Rescued Racer: Before Wouter entered the picture, this particular GT40 had already left an indelible mark on various race tracks, striking fear into the hearts of its competition. However, fate took an unexpected turn when the car was involved in a track accident, igniting a fire that threatened to extinguish its racing glory. Extensive repairs, including a new body shell and various components, became imperative, but the process was marred by disagreements among the previous owners.

The Abandoned Dream: Following the fallout, the once-proud racer was left abandoned in a workshop, a mere shadow of its former self. In 2013, the neglected GT40 was put up for sale, desperately seeking someone who could resurrect its former glory. Enter Wouter Havenga, whose dream build took an unexpected detour.

A Rocky Start: The restoration journey faced its initial hurdles when a Benoni-based workshop initiated the revival process. Unfortunately, the workshop's financial woes led to liquidation, putting Wouter's dream on the brink of being sold off as part of the assets. In a determined effort, Wouter fought tooth and nail to salvage his coveted GT40 from the clutches of liquidation.

The Snake Pit Resurrection: In 2015, the GT40 found its way to The Snake Pit in Randburg, where the true resurrection journey began anew. The passage of time had not been kind to the car during its stint in the defunct Benoni workshop, necessitating a restart of repairs and restoration. Nick Jooste took charge of the frozen 302 engine, meticulously restoring it to match the formidable reputation of the GT40.

Meticulous Restoration: The Snake Pit faced the monumental task of painting the body shell, sorting the chassis, and marrying it with the revitalized engine. Suspension adjustments were made with precision, ensuring that every detail unique to the GT40 was lovingly attended to. The culmination of these efforts marked the completion of a dream project that had weathered storms and setbacks.

Dream Realized: Finally, the moment arrived for Wouter to savor the fruits of his labor. The GT40 made its official debut at the GEOTAB show held at the Muriel Brand School in Brakpan. As it graced the show grounds, the crowd's excitement was palpable, mirroring the rare sight of a meticulously restored GT40 making a triumphant return.

The Streets of Gauteng: Wouter declared that the GT40's racing days were behind it. Instead, he preferred to use the iconic car to command the roads of Gauteng, making a statement that left traffic in awe.

The Uncharted Territory: As of now, the GT40's power and top speed remained mysteries, awaiting a date with the dyno. Wouter Havenga's dream had come full circle, from childhood yearnings to a resurrected icon that now ruled the streets of Gauteng. The Ford GT40, once abandoned and neglected, had found its rightful place in the heart of a passionate enthusiast's dreams.