The Ford GT40 holds a special place in automotive history for defeating Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. But what many people may not know is that the GT40 was also designed for the road. One of these rare road-legal GT40s is now available for sale in the United Kingdom through PistonHeads.
This particular GT40, with chassis number P/1069, was built in 1967 and is one of the 31 Mk 1 road cars ever produced. What makes it even more unique is that it served as an original press car, loaned to journalists for test drives. Initially, it was given to a Swiss-based firm associated with the Scuderia Filipinetti race team to be displayed at the 1967 Geneva auto show. The car was originally painted Opalescent Silver Blue but was later repainted Metallic Borneo Green for its appearance at the show.
After its showcase at the Geneva Auto Show, chassis P/1069 embarked on its journey as a press car for Ford’s U.K. division. It made appearances in various car magazines and even returned to the Geneva show in 1969. According to the ad, it was also tested by Graham Hill, a two-time Formula 1 champion.
In 1971, chassis P/1069 was sold to a collector who decided to repaint it yellow. The subsequent owner took the car vintage racing in 2007, participating in events such as the Goodwood Revival. However, the car was later restored to its original road-going specification and repainted in the Opalescent Silver Blue color.
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PistonHeads emphasizes that any original GT40 is considered rare, with approximately 105 cars built across the Mk 1 to Mk IV generations. Chassis P/1069 belongs to the first-generation Mk 1 cars. It is worth noting that it was the Mk II GT40 that achieved Ford’s first Le Mans victory in 1966, while the Mk IV repeated the feat the following year. The Mk III, a limited-production road version, had only seven examples produced.
Considering the unique history and significance of chassis P/1069, it is expected that the car will fetch a high price, potentially reaching millions of dollars. For reference, a GT40 that placed third at Le Mans in 1966 sold for $9.7 million in its most recent auction appearance. Additionally, a GT40 roadster prototype sold for nearly $7 million in 2014. However, for those who cannot afford these prices, there are more affordable options available in the form of GT40 replicas, including unique conversions like the electric GT40 by Everrati.
In conclusion, the Ford GT40 is an iconic and storied sports car, known for its racing success and limited road car production. Chassis P/1069, a rare road-going GT40 with a unique history as an original press car, is currently up for sale in the U.K. With its prestigious background and rarity, it is expected to command a significant price. For automotive enthusiasts who appreciate the GT40’s legacy but cannot afford an original, there are alternative options in the form of replicas and unique conversions.
