In 1965 Alan Mann racing ordered the ultimate version of the GT40 Mark I for the upcoming season. Abbey Panels was responsible for the design which included an aluminum panels and roof.

Unfortunately, almost as fast as Alan Mann got his order in, Ford changed gears and used some of the available chassis for their big-block GT40 Mark II. Before this happened however, two cars, chassis GT40PAM1 and GT40PAM2 had already been delivered. These were immediately sold by privateers while Ford delivered 427 cars to the team.

Being 150 lbs lighter than standard the Lightweight were not properly homologated and were slightly converted back into a standard specification with fiberglass bodies a thin sheet-steel roof covering the aluminum structure underneath.

Chassis & Sales.

GT40PAM2-AM GT40/2 was purchased in December 1966 by Paul Hawkins Racing and became one of the most prolific GT40s in European racing. Hawkin’s modified it back to Group 4 specs using standard bodywork pieces. It debuted in blue with board white stripe down the center and was later repainted Monaco Red with Gold stripes. In this livery it raced at the 1966 Sebring 12-Hour race but failed to finish with Graham Hill and Jackie Stewart at the wheel.

Consistent modifications throughout the season helped the AM2 remain competitive. Later victories included England, France, Austria, West Germany and Holland, making AM2 one of the most successful private GT40s. At some point the engine was replaced with a 351 V8.

In 1982 GT40PAM2 was part of Bob Robert’s Midland Motor Museum before being sold to George Stauffer who repainted it Blue. Appeared later at SAAC 11 in 1986, the 25th Anniversary GT40 Reunion at Watkins Glen in 1989 and the 30th Anniversary GT40 Reunion at Road America in 1994.

Offered at Dana Mecum’s 2009 Original Spring Classic Auction, AM2 failed to sell with a top bid of $2,300,000 USD. Described as “The most successful and famous privately raced GT40 of all, AM GT40/2 is powered by a 289 fitted with four Weber 2-barrel downdraft carburetors and backed with a ZF 5-speed gearbox. It remains one of the most historically significant GT40 race cars ever to carry the checkered flag.”