Le Mans four-time winner — the original mid-engined Ford that defeated Ferrari at Le Mans from 1966 to 1969.
The Ford GT40 was developed in the early 1960s as Ford's answer to Ferrari's dominance at Le Mans. The Mk I (small-block 4.7L V8) and later Mk II and Mk IV (big-block 7.0L V8) won Le Mans outright in 1966, 1967, 1968 and 1969. A small number of Mk III road cars were built (seven units, 1966–1969) to satisfy homologation and bespoke road-car customers.
Approximately 105 GT40s were built in total across all racing and road variants. Continuation and homage production by Safir, CAV, Superformance and Ford Authorized Continuation Series is a separate market.
Defining four-time Le Mans-winning sports prototype; one of the most significant racing cars of the 20th century.
| Variant | Years | Production | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| GT40 Mk I (road) | 1964–1969 | — | Small-block 4.7L V8 cars; some road-converted from racing chassis. |
| GT40 Mk II / Mk IV | 1965–1967 | — | Big-block 7.0L racing chassis; Le Mans-winning specification. |
| GT40 Mk III | 1966–1969 | 7 | Road-specific Mk III; bespoke production. |
Start with identity, paperwork and originality. For the Ford GT40 (original), the strongest cars have continuous ownership history, matching numbers where applicable, original books and tools, factory build documentation and evidence of work by manufacturer-approved specialists. Original chassis number, racing provenance, Le Mans participation and continuous documented history.
Period 4.7L and 7.0L Ford V8s are well-supported by historic racing specialists; matching-numbers engines are decisive. A proper pre-purchase inspection includes cold-start behaviour, ECU diagnostics and fault-code history (where applicable), leak-down or compression testing, underbody photography, suspension and chassis inspection, brake condition and a long enough road test to expose heat-related faults. Deferred maintenance on a car of this class is almost always more expensive than buying a better-sorted example.
Use a paint-depth gauge, lift access and a specialist familiar with the model's factory panel gaps and finish standards. Collector value is dramatically affected by structural repairs, refinished panels, poor paintwork and missing factory trim or option content. Documented cosmetic refresh is acceptable; concealed accident or fire damage must be priced severely.
Original FIA / FIVA chassis with documented Wyer Engineering / J.W. Automotive provenance set the ceiling. Continuation cars are a separate market. Specification, colour, options and limited-build variants move values significantly. Buy the best-documented example in the most desirable specification you can justify, rather than a tired example of a rarer derivative that will need years of corrective work.
Regional ranges authored independently — each reflects its local market, not an FX conversion
Budget annually even if the car is used sparingly. Fluids age, tyres and date-coded rubber components must be replaced regardless of mileage, and stored cars need exercise. A documented maintenance rhythm protects both reliability and resale value.
Historic motorsport specialists (Hall & Hall, Roush, period restorers) support the model; service is bespoke and event-led. Before purchase, confirm parts availability for model-specific bodywork, electronics, gearbox and engine components. A discounted car waiting on unobtainable parts or a factory service slot is rarely a saving in collector ownership.
Each region quoted in its local currency — independent market readings, not FX conversions
Thin-volume, top-end collector market driven by event eligibility and concours provenance. Continuation cars (Safir, CAV, Superformance, Ford ACS) trade in a separate, much lower bracket.
| Date | Auction | Car | Mileage | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-08-16 | RM Sotheby's Monterey | 1966 GT40 Mk I | — | $6,930,000 Sold |
Defining sports-prototype racing chassis; documented period cars sit at the top of the historic motorsport market.
Join Car Collector International's owners register for valuation updates, auction alerts and members-only events.
Register interest