One of the rarest and most historically significant Ford GT40 prototypes is heading to auction. The 1965 Ford GT/109 Competition Prototype Roadster, the only open-top GT40 ever to compete at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, will cross the block at an upcoming Mecum Auctions sale.
This car represents a unique chapter in Ford’s legendary battle against Ferrari at Le Mans. While most GT40 prototypes were coupes, Ford built a small number of roadster versions for testing and development. Of those, GT/109 is the only one that actually raced in the world’s most famous endurance event.
A Unique Place in Motorsports History
Built in 1965 as part of Ford’s ambitious GT40 program, chassis GT/109 was prepared by Carroll Shelby American. It was powered by a high-output 289 cubic inch V8 and paired with a ZF five-speed transaxle. In 1965, the car was entered at Le Mans with French racing legends Maurice Trintignant and Guy Ligier behind the wheel.
Although the car did not finish the race, its participation makes it historically important. It remains the only Ford GT Roadster prototype to ever compete at the Circuit de la Sarthe. Ford ultimately built just 12 GT prototypes in total, and only two roadster versions are known to survive today.
Previous Sale and Current Market Interest
This same chassis last appeared at public auction in 2019 during RM Sotheby’s Monterey Car Week, where it sold for a hammer price of $7,650,000. That result reflected strong collector demand for significant GT40 prototypes with documented racing history.
Now returning to the market through Mecum Auctions, the car is expected to generate significant interest among serious collectors of historic racing cars. Its combination of rarity, documented Le Mans history, and direct connection to Ford’s legendary 1960s racing program makes it one of the most desirable GT40 variants to come to market in recent years.
Why This GT40 Matters
The Ford GT40 program was born out of Henry Ford II’s determination to beat Enzo Ferrari at Le Mans. After early struggles, Ford eventually succeeded with back-to-back victories in 1966 and 1967. While the winning cars were closed coupes, the roadster prototypes played an important role in development and testing.
GT/109 stands out because it bridges the gap between testing and actual competition. Its survival and documented history make it especially appealing to collectors who value authenticity and provenance. The car’s Shelby preparation and period-correct mechanical specification further enhance its desirability.
Strong Interest Expected at Auction
Mecum Auctions has not yet released a formal estimate for the car, but given its previous sale price and the continued strength of the blue-chip historic racing car market, expectations are high. Cars with genuine Le Mans history and significant manufacturer provenance consistently perform well at major auctions.
For enthusiasts and collectors, the return of GT/109 to the market represents a rare opportunity. Very few GT40 prototypes with actual racing history at Le Mans ever become available, and this is the only roadster version with that distinction.
As the auction date approaches, attention from serious collectors is expected to be intense. The car’s combination of rarity, history, and direct connection to one of the most famous rivalries in motorsport history ensures it will be one of the headline lots when it crosses the block.
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