Ford’s desire to compete with Ferrari as equals was what sparked the creation of the GT40, a true ground-up racing car. One of the first ever created was this GT40 roadster prototype, which was built in 1965 – a memorable year for the brand.
Set to go under the hammer in Monterey, California in mid-August, the car is expected to fetch somewhere in the millions.
Originally intended as a development/demonstrator vehicle, it was first tested at the Silverstone track in the UK, where it was also built by Ford Advanced Vehicles. Today, it’s the last remaining 1965 car to feature the period-correct nose, which in turn is complimented by the unique treatment that these topless versions were treated to.
Being a thoroughly original car, it draws its power from a 4.7-liter V8, an engine which grew to 7.0-liter by the time the Mk II model was introduced, in 1966.
The car was the first roadster out of the first twelve prototypes built, making it even more significant for the model’s history.
By Andrei Nedelea
PHOTO GALLERY
