The GT40 was eligible for the GT class and the new F1 engine would be perfect to power a 3-litre prototype.
The dramatic rule changes at the end of the 1967 seasons saw displacement limits for prototypes set to just 3 litres and a new GT class introduced for cars with a production of 50 or over. While Ford and Shelby were busy constructing their second Le Mans winner the Mk IV GT40, Ford of Europe backed specialists Cosworth were in the process of constructing the single most successful F1 engine ever. Wyer continued development work on the 5 litre GT40 and was rewarded with two Le Mans victories, whereas Mann decided to construct a completely new car to suit the new 3-litre regulations and was rewarded with, well, nothing.
Two of the best known of these privateers were John Wyer Automotive and Alan Mann Racing, who both took different paths to achieve the same objectives. When Ford withdrew from sports car racing because of rule changes after the 1967 season, private teams were left to defend the Blue Oval's honours.
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