If you are within driving distance of Kissimmee, Florida, you won’t want to miss the scheduled Mecum collector car auction in early January. The highlight of the event will be the auction of an original 1966 Ford GT40 Mk I, one of just 31 road-going examples ever built. This is a rare opportunity to own a piece of automotive history, as the GT40 is a legendary car with a storied racing pedigree.
According to its listing, the GT40 up for auction has only 13,442 miles on the odometer and has never been involved in a crash. It also carries some racing provenance, as it was once owned by Italian racing driver Umberto Maglioli, a Porsche and Ferrari factory driver and winner of prestigious events like the 12 hours of Sebring and Targa Florio. The car comes with its original build sheet and a history dossier by renowned GT40 expert Ronnie Spain. In addition, there is a detailed dossier of a previous restoration handled by Germany’s Ruf.
The car is powered by a 4.7-liter V-8 engine featuring Weber carburetors and paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, which is a defining feature of the GT40. Additionally, it is finished in a striking metallic blue color and features Borrani wire wheels and a luxurious black leather interior. This particular GT40 is lot number R799.2 for the auction, which will take place on January 12, giving automotive enthusiasts and collectors a chance to see this rare and valuable car up close.
Aside from the original GT40, the auction will also feature a modern GT Mk II, offering fans of the modern GT supercar an exciting opportunity to see and possibly bid on this ultimate version of the Ford hypercar.
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The original Ford GT40 is a rare and coveted vehicle, with only approximately 105 cars built across Mk I to Mk IV versions. The MK II version of the GT40 secured Ford’s first Le Mans win in 1966, with Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon at the helm. The redesigned Mk IV repeated the feat the following year, solidifying the GT40’s place in automotive history. The Mk III was a very limited road-going version, with only seven examples built, adding to the allure and exclusivity of the GT40.
Of course, due to their rarity and historical significance, original GT40s are rarely available for sale. In fact, another road-going Mk I, the official GT40 press car, came up for private sale in October, though the listing is no longer available, indicating that it likely found a buyer. This further underscores the unique opportunity that the upcoming Mecum collector car auction presents for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
So, if you have a passion for rare and historically significant automobiles, the Mecum collector car auction in Kissimmee, Florida, is an event you won’t want to miss. Whether you are a serious collector looking to add a rare GT40 to your collection or simply an automotive enthusiast who wants to witness the excitement of a high-profile auction, this event promises to be an unforgettable experience. And with the inclusion of not just one, but two iconic Ford vehicles – the original GT40 and the modern GT Mk II – the auction is sure to draw attention and interest from around the world. Make plans to attend and be a part of this milestone event in automotive history.
