The rare 1966 Ford GT40 MkII Factory Lightweight fetched $12.4 million at auction, becoming one of the priciest classic cars. Discover the story now!
The automotive world was set abuzz last weekend when a pristine 1966 Ford GT40 MkII Factory Lightweight changed hands for a jaw‑dropping $12.375 million (about 325 billion VND) at the Mecum auction in Osceola, Florida. The sale vaulted the British‑crafted supercar into the top three most expensive vehicles ever sold at the event, out‑bidding many legendary Ferraris.
Record‑Breaking Sale at Mecum
Among a lineup dominated by Ferrari masterpieces, the Ford GT40 MkII commanded the spotlight. The highest‑priced car at the sale was a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO Bianco Speciale, which fetched $38.5 million, followed by a 2003 Ferrari Enzo at $13 million. The Ford’s $12.375 million tag secured the third‑spot, underscoring its rarity and historic value.
Why This GT40 Is So Special
Only eleven GT40 MkII chassis were ever built, and just nine survive today. The 1966 factory‑lightweight version is one of only three lightweight models ever produced by Ford’s racing division. It has never been restored, raced, or altered from its original factory specifications—making it arguably the most authentic GT40 still in existence, a claim backed by GT40 historian Ronnie Spain.
Built by Alan Mann Racing using a blend of aluminium, fiberglass, and thin‑walled steel, the car retains its original body shell, factory‑spec chassis, and lightweight aluminium roof. Under the hood sits the iconic 427 cubic‑inch V8, paired with a five‑speed manual gearbox, a racing‑grade suspension, and the distinctive Le Mans‑style fuel tanks.
The Car’s Racing Pedigree
While the lightweight GT40 contributed to Ford’s 1966 Le Mans dominance, it wasn’t one of the three cars that secured the historic 1‑2‑3 finish on June 19. Instead, the chassis served as a reserve unit. Its most notable on‑track achievement came later that year, finishing second at the 12‑Hour Sebring race behind a Ford GT40 X‑1 Roadster.
Originality and Provenance
After staying in Ford’s possession until 1977, the car entered the collector market and has changed hands four times. Its most recent owners include Miles Collier, Fred Simeone, and the Shelby American Collection, before becoming part of the Apex Collection that was featured at Mecum.
Other GT40s on the Market
Two additional GT40s were offered at a nearby Kissimmee auction but failed to sell. One was a 1965 GT40 MkI (chassis P/1018), notable for being driven by Carroll Shelby himself; it attracted a $5.3 million bid, short of the estimated $6 million. The other was a 1969 GT40 MkIII (chassis P1/1085), the last of the unfinished 13‑frame series, which turned down a $2.2 million offer.
These outcomes highlight the extraordinary demand for factory‑original, lightweight GT40s—especially those that have remained untouched since the 1960s.
What This Sale Means for Classic Car Collectors
The $12.4 million price tag reinforces the trend of collectors rewarding authenticity, rarity, and racing heritage. As more manufacturers release limited‑edition reproductions, truly original examples like this 1966 Ford GT40 MkII Factory Lightweight become even more coveted, setting new benchmarks for future auctions.
Stay tuned for more insights into historic supercars, record‑setting auctions, and the stories behind the world’s most valuable machines.