Exceptionally rare '65 Ford GT40 Roadster prototype up for auction
Posted Jun 18th 2014 3:59PM
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Think of mid-engined supercars and your mind is bound to gravitate towards Europe, but the United States has been known to make a handful from time to time – exceptional vehicles from the likes of Vector, SSC,Mosler, Hennessey, and Saleen. But long before any of those came around, Ford famously became obsessed with beating Ferrari at its own game, leading to the development of the iconic GT40.
The story is well known, sending Ford to the checkered flag at Le Mans four times in a row in the late 1960s. Ford and Shelby also built over 100 for public consumption, but just four of them were roadsters. Of those only one remains in original condition, and now that exceedingly rare example going up for auction.
Consigned to RM Auctions for its mid-August sale during Pebble Beach weekend in Monterey, California, this 1965 model is the first GT40 Roadster built. It was used as a development and demonstration vehicle for Ford and Shelby. Carroll Shelby himself drove Henry Ford II in this very car during one of many test and demo events, this time held for Ford's board of directors in Los Angeles.
Serial number GT/108 has been shown at numerous prestigious events throughout the years, and has been part of the same owner's collection for over two decades now. RM won't say just how much it's expected to fetch at auction, but considering the big-buck lots it usually handles, the unique nature of this highly coveted vehicle, and the US$7 million brought in for the last GT40 prototype we saw go up for auction, you can bet there'll be a lot of zeros in the final figure.
