Crown Jewel from GT40 Program: 1965 Ford GT Roadster Prototype

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Opportunities like this rarely surface, even in the upper tiers of the collector car world. Listed here on eBay, this 1965 Ford GT40 Roadster Prototype represents one of the most elusive chapters of Ford’s legendary GT40 program, a machine rooted deeply in the experimental, no-compromises era when racing success mattered more than paperwork or preservation.

Offered as a complete, running roadster built from original, period-correct GT Roadster components, this car stands apart from replicas, continuations, or later interpretations. According to the seller, nearly all components are either NOS or properly refurbished, and the car has been assembled to match period-correct construction practices used by Ford Advanced Vehicles during 1964–1965. The chassis geometry, weld styles, and materials are said to reflect the same techniques used on the original GT Roadsters developed as part of Ford’s all-out push to defeat Ferrari on the world stage.

Power comes from a 289 cubic-inch Ford V8, carrying a correct 1965 date code. The engine is believed to have originated from Carroll Shelby’s supply network and has reportedly only seen dyno time since completion, where it produced approximately 400 horsepower. Induction is handled by four Weber 48 IDA carburetors, feeding through period-correct plumbing and exiting via a distinctive Bundle of Snakes exhaust. A ZF five-speed transaxle, sourced from the original parts set, completes the drivetrain.

The GT Roadster program itself was never intended for production. These open-cockpit cars were engineering testbeds, used to study aerodynamics, cooling, and chassis behavior in ways the coupe could not. Only a handful—often cited as four or five—were ever constructed. Their short windscreens, open bodies, and experimental nature make them some of the most fascinating GT40 variants ever built.

This particular roadster is closely tied to the long-documented story surrounding GT/109, one of the most famous GT Roadsters, and the extensive cache of original parts discovered at Ford years later. Much of what exists today comes from firsthand accounts, long-term research, and the shared recollections of individuals directly involved with the GT40 program. While no factory documentation assigns a definitive chassis number to this car, respected GT40 historians reportedly do not dispute its authenticity, specification, or period-correct construction.

What’s being offered here is not just a rare car, but a tangible artifact from Ford’s most ambitious racing era. It’s equally suited as a centerpiece in a serious collection or as a historically significant vintage racer—something few GT40-related cars can honestly claim today.

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Comments

  1. BOB OSEN

    this belongs in the Henry Ford Museum

    Like 3
    • steve

      I don’t think so, Bob

      Like 2
  2. Howie

    At least it is not Craig’s List. This seems very cheap for what it is.

    Like 4
    • Steve

      Cheap? It is very expensive, even Superformance cars have a correct VIN number. This is a total air car, it is not worth any more than a Superformance (which is a very good “continuation” GT40)

      Like 3
  3. Jimmy copeland

    I looking for a 1963 Pontiac Grand Prix parts car

    Like 1
  4. Woofer WooferMember

    The only reason I clicked on ‘read more’ was to see the asking price. There is no way I could buy this car no matter what the asking price is, (I don’t have the garage space, ha) besides I would rather have a 2005, 2006 FORD GT, but I’m just curious what these ultra rare vehicles are worth. But surprise, no asking price in the writeup. I don’t have the time or energy to go to eBay to try to track it down. So let me ask you this Elizabeth, why don’t you include the asking price in any of your writeups? Please don’t black list me.

    Like 6
    • Jack W.

      It is priced at 2.5 Million.

      Like 1
    • Tommer

      Hey Woofer – 2 seconds to click shows me its listed for $2.5 Million

      Like 3
    • Darryl T

      I think the reason is stated right below the first photo. I would guess BF gets a kickback every time they force us to go to ebay etc. Other writers include the price and location, but two consistently do not. I usually just skip their write-ups unless it’s a particularly unusual vehicle like this glorified clone. Yes, I know it’s just a few additional clicks, but to some of us old-timers it is an annoying waste of time. And I don’t want ebay to know what I’m looking at any more than I want google to know what I’m searching for. I get enough ads already.

      Like 2
      • EuromotoMember

        Hey, Darryl: So, if BF gets a kickback, what’s the problem? Good on them. In my experience, BF is one big, happy (if, at times, slightly dysfunctional) family. To their credit, the owners of this site don’t just let anyone submit content and I feel a connection with those writers that do, including those that might not “include price and location”. I note that you are not a “member”. Maybe you could pony up a couple of bucks a month? This is a really nice enthusiast site without egos with a lot of collective knowledge. Try it, you’ll like it (Bubble Up, anyone?)

        Like 1
      • Darryl T

        Euromoto – I didn’t say kickbacks were a problem. I just stated my theory as to why some BF writers fail to include price and location, which would seem like a logical and helpful bit of info. As for becoming a member, being old and on a fixed income I haven’t yet, but will certainly consider it – maybe when they address this minor but annoying issue?

        Like 0
  5. Fahrvergnugen FahrvergnugenMember

    Hello, Audrain…another one for you!!!

    Like 2
  6. Jeff H

    Built clone with NOS parts.

    Let me go to my printer to create some nice look a like bearer bonds 😗. The period correct ink is phenomenal and the printing is spectacular 😎..,

    Good luck with sale.

    Like 4
  7. Terrry

    I’ll just go out to the money tree, pluck off a couple of armfuls and drop it onto something that isn’t the real thing. Someone is dreaming here, or else they don’t really want to sell.

    Like 2
  8. 370zpp 370zpp

    Until a week ago, I had never seen the movie Ford vs Ferrari. (currently on Netflix) Needless to say, a great movie, as I discovered. I had to crank up the sound system as I sometimes do when watching bands, but this music was pure engine.

    Like 3
  9. angliagt angliagtMember

    I’ll buy this & park it next to my P51 Mustang,& then I’ll wake up
    from that dream.

    I saw the movie Ford Versus Ferrari & enjoyed the driving scenes,
    but couldn’t see Matt Damon being Carroll Shelby – too much of a
    “Pretty Boy” to be Shelby.Also too much fiction.
    I’d rather see “The World’s Fastest Indian” again.

    Like 4

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