A legendary piece of American racing history is set to hit the auction block, as one of the only ten factory competition lightweight 1969 Ford GT40s has surfaced for sale. This iconic vehicle, renowned for its dominance at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, boasts original bodywork, chassis, engine, and transaxle, making it an incredibly rare find.
The Ford GT40’s legacy is etched in motorsport history, having secured four consecutive victories at Le Mans from 1966 to 1969. The GT40 MkI, with its refined engineering and powerful performance, emerged victorious against formidable competition, bringing glory to Ford and reshaping endurance racing. This specific GT40 is equipped with a 4.9-liter Gurney-Weslake V8 engine, capable of producing 440 horsepower, and features Stage II ventilated disc brakes, a lightened aluminum roof, and lightweight body panels, emphasizing its race-ready design.
Originally delivered to Portuguese driver Ferreira Pires in 1969, this GT40 only competed in three races before being sold to Emilo Marta, a successful businessman and racer. Marta campaigned the car extensively in international sports car races, achieving significant success, including winning the championship outright in 1972. Remarkably, this GT40 retains its original components, as documented by GT40 expert Ronnie Spain.
Recently, the car underwent a meticulous concours-quality restoration, returning it to its original Cirrus White livery and ensuring every detail matched its factory specifications. The restoration process included rebuilding the original Gurney-Weslake engine and ZF 5-speed transaxle, and fitting it with period-correct Firestone racing tires mounted on BRM magnesium wheels.
The Ford GT40 remains one of the most celebrated racing cars in history, not only for its performance but also for its cultural impact. This particular example, with its impeccable provenance and restoration, is expected to draw significant attention from collectors worldwide. As it crosses the auction block, enthusiasts and collectors will have a rare opportunity to acquire a piece of automotive history that symbolizes the pinnacle of American racing achievement.
Elizabeth Puckett
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