A Ford GT40 built for Le Mans was sold at auction in the USA

One of 11 cars produced and one of three with a lightweight body was auctioned at Mecum auction in Florida for $12.3 million. The Ford GT40 MkII Factory Lightweight XGT-3 was built in 1966 as part of the legendary rivalry between Ferrari and Ford. The car you see is considered the most authentic, it has never been restored.

The racing history of this collector’s item is closely linked to Ford’s triumph at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966, where it was the team’s reserve car. That same season, the GT40 finished second at the Sebing 12 Hours. The car remained the property of Ford until 1977, and then went through four owners, including well-known collectors. He was most recently a member of the Apex Motor Club meeting.

The Ford GT40 XGT-3 is a pure long-distance race car. Behind the cockpit is a 7.0-liter naturally aspirated V8, created by Ford specifically for the Le Mans competition. The transmission is a reinforced four-speed manual transmission designed for high torque.

The main feature of the machine is its lightweight design. Its body is made of steel, aluminum and fiberglass and is complemented by a lightweight aluminum roof. Lightweight versions also received adjustable suspension and Le Mans-spec fuel tanks. The interior of the racing Ford has been preserved in absolutely original form since 1966.

1966 Ford GT40 MkII Factory Lightweight
Mecum Auctions 1966 Ford GT40 MkII Factory Lightweight
Mecum Auctions 1966 Ford GT40 MkII Factory Lightweight
Mecum Auctions 1966 Ford GT40 MkII Factory Lightweight
Mecum Auctions 1966 Ford GT40 MkII Factory Lightweight
Mecum Auctions 1966 Ford GT40 MkII Factory Lightweight
Mecum Auctions 1966 Ford GT40 MkII Factory Lightweight
Mecum Auctions 1966 Ford GT40 MkII Factory Lightweight
Mecum Auctions 1966 Ford GT40 MkII Factory Lightweight
Mecum Auctions