An extraordinary continuation of a motorsport legend
The seven authorized replicas of the GT40 MKIV
Le Mans 1967: Ford celebrated what is arguably its most symbolic victory in the world’s most famous endurance race with the MKIV. A prototype developed entirely in the USA with an aluminum honeycomb monocoque, big-block V8, and aerodynamic body design dominated the race—and finished it with a historic victory. But no sooner had the trophy been won than the MKIV was forced out of the race by rule changes.
The few originals that were built disappeared into collections, museums, and behind locked garage doors. For decades, the MKIV remained an untouchable icon. But two passionate enthusiasts were about to change that: Bill Riley
The origin: Teske, Thompson, and a plan that had matured over decades
Mike Teske had been fascinated by the GT40 since the 1960s – a formative experience on a highway south of Pittsburgh, when a GT40 MKI shot past him, left a lasting impression. Over decades, he collected parts, documentation, and contacts. In the 1980s and 90s, he supplied original and reproduced components for restorations – including for Peter Thorp, Bryan Wingfield, and Safir Engineering.
He shared not only a passion but also a craftsmanship with Ken Thompson, a legendary NASCAR fabricator. Both had built a GT40 MKII – now they wanted more.
The initial spark: a discovery in the archives and a crazy idea
The decisive turning point came when Teske was asked to secure old racing documents during an archive relocation at Ford Motor Company. Among them: original drawings of the MKIV and J-Car!
A treasure that almost ended up in the trash – and the beginning of a new chapter.
The plan was quickly decided: not just any replica, but an authentic reproduction—using the same processes, materials, and care as in 1967. The goal: the vehicles should be so convincing that even former Kar-Kraft engineers would have a déjà vu experience.
Peter Thorp and the first seven vehicles
Peter Thorp—known for the Safir GT40 project—took the initiative, together with Mike Teske and other colleagues, to build seven authorized replicas of the GT40 MKIV.
Together, they secured original plans, materials, and suppliers—including Ron Fournier (Kar Kraft fabricator from the very beginning) and other veterans of the GT40 era. The seven vehicles were painstakingly built over several years—with faithful-to-the-original bodywork, aluminum honeycomb structure, customized chassis, contemporary parts, and a finish with great attention to detail
2015: Handover to Bob Riley and continuation by Bill Riley
After completing the seven vehicles, Mike Teske handed over the rights to continue the project in 2015 to Bob Riley, one of the most renowned chassis developers in the USA – and himself part of the original Kar Kraft team
Bob commissioned his son Bill Riley to continue the MKIV project. The company Riley Technologies has acquired the Kar-Kraft assets, including tools, jigs, molds, and technical drawings, and plans to produce up to 10 more continuation cars of the MkIV.
Bill Riley runs the website www.karkraftmkiv.com and is deeply committed to building cars, preserving historical vehicles, and passing on this technical cultural heritage.
Exclusive insights – straight from the source
The images shown in this article come directly from Bill Riley’s collection. They not only show details of the seven vehicles, but also rare shots from the manufacturing process: from the first chassis buck to the painting of the last finished MKIV.
A personal thank you
This post would not have been possible without the help of Petr, a reader of this blog. Petr put me in touch with Bill Riley and organized all the images—for me and for you.
Thank you very much, Petr!
