An old axiom states, “Win on race day, sell on Monday.” This statement was especially true in the 1950s and 1960s when OEMs poured capital into their race programs throughout the various racing circuits to entice customers to their dealerships. No car may be more famous for this than Ford’s attempt to beat Ferrari at Le Mans with the GT40 program. While these cars were built specifically for their track, their dominance helped Ford sell many passenger cars and trucks in the late ’60s. Here is a chance to own a high-end replica of one of these cars. Found here on eBay, this car is being offered with a starting bid of $125k out of Las Vegas, Nevada.
There probably aren’t many people reading this who don’t know the story of Ford and the GT40. But if not, here’s a quick rundown: Ford was negotiating to purchase a controlling interest in Ferrari and had a contract in its final stages with Enzo. At the very last second, Enzo pulled the deal and went with another agreement with Fiat. Some accounts say he did this because Ford would not give him autonomy with the racing program, while others say he did this to leverage Fiat into the deal. This greatly angered Henry Ford II, who gave his right-hand man, Don Frey, authority to build a car that could beat Ferrari at his cherished race, Le Mans.
Of course, we all know that this happened in 1966. But what doesn’t get mentioned enough is how good of a race car these really were. They dominated the endurance racing circuits as factory-backed teams through the late 60s. Then, privateers got their hands on the cars when Ford was finished racing, and they continued to win races into the 70s against more modern cars. All the people who put effort into this car produced an all-time great with the GT-40. It’s so good, in fact, that we’re still talking about it today. Talk about a lesson in marketing!
Very few people will have the opportunity to own a real GT-40, as there weren’t that many made, and they are so valuable and essential to racing history that the real ones are in museums or high-end collections. So, unless you are Ben Beames and can build your own, the aftermarket has plenty of options for parts and full-blown replicas. Near the top of the quality replica is Superformance, which is the builder of this specific GT-40. They have fitted this beast with a Roush Windsor 427 and a ZF transaxle. This car would be an absolute hoot to pilot around a track. What do you all think? Have you had any experiences seeing a GT-40 race or driving one? I’m longing for that day when I can do my best AJ Foyt impression and tick off some impressive lap times!
What a beautifully perfect monster.
Given a good driver it’d undoubtedly be a force to contend with at the Silver State Classic Challenge (SSCC) September 18th – 21st, 2025.
If you’re the new owner or want to see what you and your car are made of the race is being run on a closed section of Nevada Highway 318 which goes through Ely (NV).
If you just want to go and watch (like most of us can only afford to do) check it out online for details; pretty ordinary and amazing cars alike doing what most of us would love to do..
Hagerty says the real thing would set you back around 9 million.
Sold at $128,600. Had been wrecked and repaired.
Wow. Cars and coffee awaits. Nah, just keep driving.
Ford’s SUCCESSFUL attempt to beat Ferrari at Le Mans
I was never a fan of this style of race car until the GT40 came out. Since then I’ve been almost as much of a fan of these as I am to old trucks and motorcycles. It would be a lot of fun to run around in something like this although I’m sure it would take the likes of me some serious time to get in and get out again. You just can’t slide into a car like this when you’re in your 70s…
Well now, a replica that can actually perform. The buyer of this car will without doubt be a proud owner. Fire up that fire breathing 427, hit fist gear pop the clutch and feel the thrust as your thrown backwards. Hit second gear get and feel the rear end of the car come to life sending waves of pure energy to the ground. By the time you hit third gear your eyes are watering as the torque pulls hard on your body parts. Here you are on an oval track nearing turn one and your in fourth gear. You downshift as you slide into the curve from the outside lane toward the inside lane pedal to the metal, engine roaring like a wild lion in the jungle. You pull through the curve and head down the straight stretch hitting high gear the engine effortlessly sings songs pleasing to your ears.
Ok enough of that. Have fun with your new toy.
God Bless America
I want to see a photo of the buyer!
This car was extensively covered on, bring a trailer and had major structural damage. Super Performance, who made the car said it should never be driven without all of the welds and suspension fixes checked out. It is a 200 mile an hour car after all. BAT ended the auction after the safety concerns were brought up.
FeeBay does not care about safety. Sold.
sold us $128,600.00
What a cool car… Ford vs Ferrari is one of my favorite movies. Think I’ll go check it out again. :-)
$$@&!! I typed out a description of driving a GT40 and it didn’t post. Not doing it again!
I own a carbon fiber bodied GT40. 2000 lbs fully fueled. 560 HP 393 fuel injected Windsor. Let’s just say crisp, crazy performance! Was made by GT40 North America. Superformance GTs weigh 2600 lbs, fiberglass kit cars.
The ownership experience is second to none!
These are the most amazing cars to drive!!
I would post pictures but barn finds doesn’t allow that anymore.