Ultra-Rare Street-Legal 1966 Ford GT40 MK1 Just Went up for Sale

[2112]

https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/1966-ford-gt40-mk1-sale-1234601338/

In case you needed a place to spend your stimulus check.

There arguably isn't an American race car more storied than the Ford GT40. After all, without it there would be no Ford v. Ferrari tale to tell. Now, an ultra-rare example of the car is up for grabs—and the lucky new owner can even drive it home.

One of just 30 street-legal 1966 GT40 MKIs built by the Blue Oval was just posted for sale by UK exotic car dealer Tom Hartley Jnr. The car's exclusivity is more than enough to make it noteworthy, but adding to its desirability is the fact that it's still factory-spec, making it one of the most correct examples of the legendary vehicles still in existence.

The GT40, which was powered by an American engine but built in the UK, was designed with one goal in mind, to beat endurance racing's top dog, Ferrari. The MKI was the first version of the vehicle and while it was unable to best the Prancing Horse's racers in 1964 and 1965, it laid out the blueprint for the triumph of its successor, the MKII. That would come in 1966, when the second iteration of the vehicle claimed 1-2-3 finishes at Daytona, Sebring and, as depicted in 2019's Ford v. Ferrari, Le Mans.

This particular example, chassis no. P/1057, wasn't built for the track, but that doesn't mean the car is any less capable. The mid-engine speed machine is powered by a 4.7-liter V-8 mill mated to a manual transmission that is capable of churning out up to 306 hp and 329 ft lbs of twist. Not bad for a car that's 55 years old.

But what really puts this GT40 MKI over the top is its condition. Fresh off a recent cosmetic refurbishment, the car is still finished in its original Warwick Green (it's the only one delivered in that hue). It comes complete with all of its factory parts—including its matching engine, cams, valves and fuel and oil lines—unlike so many other examples that were converted for track driving. The car comes with documentation saying as much, as well as its original luggage boxes and spare wheels.

If the thought of taking an original GT40 for a spin around town excites you—and how could it not?—reach out to Tom Hartley for more details. No price is listed for the car, but we expect it'll be steep.

[98SVT - was 06GT]

The Mark I was not street legal. They made the Mark III nose to raise the headlights to a legal level for street use. At least in the US.

Ford GT40 Mk III
The Mk III was a road-car only, of which seven were built. The car had four headlamps, the rear part of the body was expanded to make room for luggage, the 4.7-liter engine was detuned to 228 kW (306 hp; 310 PS), the shock absorbers were softened, the shift lever was moved to the center, an ashtray was added, and the car was available with the steering wheel on the left side of the car. As the Mk III looked significantly different from the racing models many customers interested in buying a GT40 for road use chose to buy a Mk I that was available from Wyer Ltd. Of the seven MK III that were produced four were left-hand drive.

[427heaven]

 Thanks for that tutorial... Didnt know!

[2112]

I love the GT40's

But not that one with the effed up headlights.   

[shelbydoug]

Bill Wonders, #103, the third GT40 delivered to Shelby-American was licensed on the street in New York in 1976 when I first saw it.

[trotrof1]

I like all GT40s but the bumperettes and side windows on the MK3 just dont quite look right.

[shelbydoug]

I like all GT40s but the bumperettes and side windows on the MK3 just dont quite look right.

They aren't the prettiest of the lot. The extended tail is weird.

The Gulfs are a little strange in the back too with their almost "Can Am" type flares.

[98SVT - was 06GT]

Bill Wonders, #103, the third GT40 delivered to Shelby-American was licensed on the street in New York in 1976 when I first saw it.

The III was built to meet the federal headlight height rules. When you went to the state to get something registered they weren't real strict or didn't know the federal rules. Cars didn't need/have the "meets federal/state" stickers until 68 or 69 so if it showed up with lights and wipers it got registered.

[shelbydoug]

Bill Wonders, #103, the third GT40 delivered to Shelby-American was licensed on the street in New York in 1976 when I first saw it.

The III was built to meet the federal headlight height rules. When you went to the state to get something registered they weren't real strict or didn't know the federal rules. Cars didn't need/have the "meets federal/state" stickers until 68 or 69 so if it showed up with lights and wipers it got registered.

This was 1976. It was registered in New York. I personally couldn't say what equipment it had and I have no idea of the history of the registration.

At the time in NY, you could register a car from a bill of sale on pre-1973 vehicles. No title.

NYS safety inspections are by private service stations and I doubt that much attention was payed to the details. For all I know, Wonder had his own licensed station.

I understand what you are saying and I am not arguing but his wasn't the only former race car on the street here. I remember an AFX Mustang on the street in Brooklyn and at least one 63? "Lightweight" and one T-bolt.

There was also a guy with a trucking company in Maine that for a fee would have the car titled there, then you could register it just about anywhere that you wanted.

I also vaguely remember a "shop" in Danbury that would "legalize" the car for Connecticut.

I'm limited to this area but wasn't one of the Daytona Coupes registered in Montana and the guy owned a chain of gas stations and would use the car to drive to each and clear out the cash registers?

There were lots of x-racers legally on the streets.

The Mark III was intended by Ford to be the letter of the law. Bill Kolb had one when he was at Gotham Ford in NY as the prize for being the Ford High Performance Salesman of the Year I think in 67 but it might have been '68?

[camp upshur]

The car depicted in this thread is a GT-40 MK l  road car which is neither a GT-40 MK lll nor an ex-racer.

[sd427]

This one sold a few years ago at Monterey, $2.9M including buyers fee.

https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mo16/monterey/lots/r153-1966-ford-gt40-p1057/363538

[shelbydoug]

Looks good in red.

[2112]

This one sold a few years ago at Monterey, $2.9M including buyers fee.

https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mo16/monterey/lots/r153-1966-ford-gt40-p1057/363538

Oh man, it was so much better at that point?

[pbf777]

In case you needed a place to spend your stimulus check.

    I'm sure with one-point-nine-TRILLION, tax-payer, dollars to dole out, somebody's going to a check that cover it, just probably not me!     

    Scott.

[427heaven]

 I paid into MY SHARE for the last 50 years, dont mind a few crumbs coming back my way once in awhile.