The Ford GT40 is without doubt on of the most mythical cars ever, a legend created on Le Mans in 1966 when Ford beat Ferrari. An extremely well built replica is now up for bids in the first 2023 listing on Bilweb Auctions.
It is estimated that only 105 GT40:s was made from 1964 up until 1969. In combination with the extraordinary racing history, that creates a dream car for collectors world wide.
An unattainable dream for the absolute majority, we should add. One of the GT40:s that raced in Le Mans in 1966 was sold for close to 10 million dollars on Sotheby´s in 2018.
No wonder that many enthusiasts has fulfilled their GT40 dream by building their own car. During the years, a number of high class replica kits has been brought to the market.
The one now for sale on Bilweb Auctions was finalized, registered and MOT:d in Sweden in 2020 and since then only been driven around 200 kilometers.
This GT40 replica is built upon a TIG welded tubular chassis clad with riveted aluminium panels. The engine is a 5.7 litre Ford Mustang engine from 1987 with the volume increased to 6.6 litres, developing 500 plus horse power.
The very long specification from the builder/owner over what has been done over the nine year long building process is like poetry for those who knows. But it also creates an insight that this is not a car for anyone, it demands a lot from the owner, both on the road and in the garage. The interior is close to the original, meaning RHD with the gear shifter mounted on the right hand door sill. The engineering team at Ford choose RHD for better weight distribution, but making the driver to shift with his left hand was considered a step too far. The glass fibre body is painted in a Ford color, Wimbledon White. Combined with a black hood, this is a nod to the first prototypes made back in 1964.
The Ford GT40 was created as a consequence of Ford failing to buy Ferrari in 1963, since Enzo Ferrari refused to let Ford decide over the Italian company’s motorsport division. Ferrari won the prestigious Le man six years in a row, 1960 - 65.
A furious Henry Ford II then gave the order to design a Le Mans winner and with the help of Carroll Shelby, the GT40 was born. And it won the American-Italian Le Mans racing war during four consecutive years 1966 - 69.
And now there is an opportunity to become a part of the 1960s motorsport history. The GT40 replica is valued by Bilweb Auctions to between 950 000 and 1 050 000 SEK.
18 JAN 21:02 PER-ÅKE FRÖBERG
Ford GT40 - en högklassig replica av en racingikon
It is estimated that only 105 GT40:s was made from 1964 up until 1969. In combination with the extraordinary racing history, that creates a dream car for collectors world wide
