Encyclopedia · 94 Model Years · Updated September 2026
The Definitive Classic
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Ford GT40: 1966 1969
1966 Ford GT40
GT40 Mk II · Mark II variant raced at Le Mans 1966. 1-2-3 finish at Le Ma... · The car that beat Ferrari at Le Mans — America's greatest racing achievement
Collectible
1966 Ford GT40
1966 Ford GT40 — AI-generated studio reference image
Production & Overview
Total Production
31
Original MSRP
$18,500
Assembly Plants
Slough, England (Ford Advanced Vehicles)
Wheelbase
95 inches
Body Styles
Mid-Engine Coupe
Curb Weight
2,150 lbs
Available Engines
427 Side Oiler 427ci (7.0L) — V8
Race-spec Ford 427 side-oiler big block. Massive power in featherweight chassis.
485 hp
Buyer Checklist
⚠ Clone warning: Incorrect or unknown provenance dramatically reduces value. Always verify with cowl tag, engine stamp, and registry before purchase.
✓Verify chassis number against GT40 Registry
✓FIA homologation papers must accompany genuine race cars
✓Complete Le Mans or race history documentation is essential
✓Engage specialist appraiser before any purchase
✓Inspect monocoque chassis for cracks or repairs
✓Verify 427 side-oiler engine and ZF transaxle
✓Gulf livery cars command significant premium — verify authenticity
✓Inspect magnesium wheels for cracks
✓Review complete ownership and race history chain
✓Budget $50,000+ for specialist pre-purchase inspection
Known Problem Areas
⚠Replica and continuation cars misrepresented as originals
⚠Incomplete or disputed race history
⚠Engine and transaxle rebuilds over decades of racing
⚠Monocoque stress cracks from racing
⚠Magnesium component deterioration
What Drives Value
↑ Increases Value
Le Mans race history — especially 1966 winning cars
Complete uninterrupted ownership chain
Gulf livery authentic examples
All original mechanical components
FIA and Le Mans documentation
↓ Decreases Value
Disputed or incomplete provenance
Replica misrepresented as original
Missing FIA documentation
Major structural repairs
Restoration Overview
Difficulty Extremely High — requires specialist knowledge
Parts Availability Very Poor for originals — continuation parts available
Driver Quality Cost $4,000,000 – $8,000,000
Show Quality Cost $8,000,000 – $15,000,000
Key Suppliers GT40 specialists · Paul Hawkins Racing · Specialist restorers only
Pop Culture & Legacy
Ford v Ferrari (2019 film) — Matt Damon and Christian Bale — dramatic retelling of the Le Mans victory
1-2-3 finish at 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans is considered the greatest American motorsport achievement
Broke Ferrari's six-year Le Mans dominance in dramatic fashion
Other Ford GT40 Years