Ford GT40 roadster prototype to be offered at auction

1965 factory demonstrator is one of just four roadsters built

This sale is sure to generate a record result. Photo by RM Auctions.

A very rare Ford GT40 prototype is set to cross the auction block at RM Auctions' Monterey sale in August, one that is expected to bring eight figures -- and possibly set an auction record for the model. Any surviving GT40 is rare, of course, but what makes this one a little extra special is the fact that it is a roadster, one of just four completed by the factory in the early stages of the GT40 program.

Developed to beat Ferrari at its own game, the GT40 cars won the 24 Hours of Le Mans four years in a row, from 1966 till 1969. Built for long-distance endurance racing, early prototypes were powered by 4.2-liter alloy V8 engines. A dozen prototypes built for testing various systems of the cars.

This particular example has unique bodywork not found on the coupes; the midsection, and also front and rear fascias, are different. This example is said to have been used as a demonstrator by the Ford factory and later by Shelby American, and has reportedly not been significantly modified as time went by, a fact which by itself is unusual when it comes to factory prototypes and demos.

 RM Auctions
The interior appears to be in good condition, as the car had been well preserved.

According to RM auctions, this example, chassis GT/108, has been used for testing and development by Shelby American, and has been driven by Ken Miles, Jim Clark and Carroll Shelby himself. Prototypes tend to be a little rough around the edges, but that doesn't seem to apply to this example, which appears tidy and free even of such things as ugly panel gaps. This particular example is said to have spent two decades in single ownership and is ready to run.

RM Auctions has not published a reserve at this time, though it has to be noted that this is the only one of the surviving roadsters which has not suffered any subsequent modifications. Ford GT40 and and GT40 prototypes all reliably sell in the high seven figures and low eight figures, so given the history of this car and lack of any "stories," it should be expected to bring eight figures. We'll be watching this sale closely, as will the rest of the collector-car world.

RM Auctions is expected to publish a more detailed description of the roadster's history in the coming weeks.

The RM Auctions Monterey sale will take place Aug. 15 and 16.