A piece of motorsport history in 1/32 scale: the Ford MKII no.3 driven by Dan Gurney and Jerry Grant in the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans, recreated by Slot.it with its usual technical precision and Sidewinder motor position.
The Ford MKII No.3 from Le Mans 1966, a legend of slot car racing
Few races have marked the history of motorsport as much as the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans. Ford, after years of development and millions of dollars invested, crushed Ferrari with a historic formation finish. The Ford GT40 MKII No.3, driven by Dan Gurney and Jerry Grant, was one of the protagonists of that epic day that changed motorsport forever. Slot.it pays tribute to that unforgettable moment with this meticulously crafted 1:32 scale replica, reference SICA20E.
Technical specifications
- Length: 133 mm
- Height: 33 mm
- Width: 60 mm
- Wheelbase: 94 mm
- Weight: 63 g
- Motor position: Sidewinder (motor positioned parallel to the rear axle)
- Motor: V12/3 23K
- Pinion / Crown gear: 11 / 32
- Front wheel and tyre: 15.8 x 8.2 / 1121C1
- Rear wheel and tyre: 15.8 x 8.2 / 1121C1
The Sidewinder configuration places the motor parallel to the rear axle, allowing for a balanced weight distribution and agile, predictable handling on track, especially in fast, wide-radius corners, the natural terrain for a Le Mans prototype.
Scale and level of detail
Slot.it is one of the leading brands in 1:32 scale slot racing, and this unit is no exception. The decoration faithfully reproduces the American blue livery of the Ford MKII No.3 as it raced at Le Mans in 1966. The paint finishes, decals, and body details reflect the high standards we have come to expect from the Italian brand.
On-track performance
Compatible with Sport track —the reference standard for Slot.it and Scaleauto— this Ford MKII is ready to race from the first moment. The V12/3 23K motor provides adequate torque for enjoyment in both recreational sessions and clubs seeking a classic prototype category. The 11/32 pinion/crown gear ratio offers a progressive and manageable response, without sharp power spikes.
The weight of 63 g, along with a wheelbase of 94 mm, gives the model a solid and stable base. The 1121C1 tyres on both axles complete a setup designed to provide consistent grip over different types of surfaces.
Ideal for…
- Collectors passionate about motorsport history and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
- Club racers looking for a reliable competition car in the classic prototype category.
- Slot enthusiasts who want to race an iconic model without sacrificing performance.
- Fans of Dan Gurney and the golden era of the Ford GT40.
Considerations
This model uses Sport track, making it compatible out of the box with Slot.it and Scaleauto tracks. If you use Scalextric or Ninco tracks (Universal rail), you will need to adapt the guide. Slot.it offers a wide range of spare parts —motors, crown gears, pinions, braids, tyres— that allow you to maintain and prepare this car with complete assurance over time.
Frequently asked questions
What type of track is this Slot.it Ford MKII compatible with?
It comes with a guide for Sport track, compatible with Slot.it and Scaleauto tracks. To use it on Scalextric or Ninco tracks (Universal rail), you need to replace the guide with a Universal profile one, available in Slot.it's spare parts catalogue.
What does it mean for the motor to be in a Sidewinder position?
Sidewinder indicates that the motor is placed parallel to the rear axle, transversely. This arrangement offers a balanced weight distribution and is very common in competition slot cars due to its versatility and good cornering behaviour.
Is it a ready-to-race car or does it need preparation?
It comes from the factory fully assembled and ready to race. You can place it on the track directly. If you intend to use it for club racing, you may want to adjust the braid pressure or check the chassis play, but it is not essential for recreational use.
Are spare parts available for this model?
Yes. Slot.it has one of the most comprehensive spare parts catalogs on the market: motors, crown gears, pinions, braids, tyres, chassis, and more. Most components in the range are interchangeable between models, making maintenance and preparation easier.
What pinion/crown gear ratio does it come with as standard?
It comes with an 11/32 ratio, which provides a progressive and balanced response. It is a good starting point for both recreational use and initial tuning for club racing.
What really happened with the Ford MKII No.3 at Le Mans 1966?
Dan Gurney and Jerry Grant drove the No.3 at a blistering pace for much of the race, even leading at times. Unfortunately, they suffered mechanical issues that prevented them from finishing on the final podium, but their performance was an essential part of Ford's overall strategy, which ultimately secured the top three positions with the GT40 MKIIs in one of the most iconic finishes in Le Mans history.
The Slot.it Ford MKII No.3 (ref. SICA20E) is a must-have for slot car collectors and racing enthusiasts fascinated by the legendary 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans. This 1:32 scale replica faithfully recreates the car driven by Dan Gurney and Jerry Grant, complete with period-correct livery, Sidewinder motor configuration, and Sport rail compatibility. A perfect blend of historical accuracy and on-track performance for club racing or display.