A rare and storied piece of Ford’s racing heritage is set to command attention at Mecum’s upcoming Indy 2025 auction, as the 1965 Ford GT/109 Competition Prototype Roadster — the only GT roadster ever to compete at the 24 Hours of Le Mans — returns to the public stage.
Crossing the block on Saturday, May 17, this historically significant machine, chassis GT/109, represents one of only five GT Roadsters built and is one of just two known to still exist. Prepared by Shelby American and finished in the Ford of France livery, the car made its racing debut at Le Mans in 1965, piloted by French racing legends Maurice Trintignant and Guy Ligier.
While its campaign in France ended prematurely, GT/109 was far from finished. It returned to the U.S. with a Shelby American work order to “rebuild after Le Mans” before being handed to Kar Kraft for use as a developmental platform in the J-Car program — the genesis of the legendary GT40 Mk IV.
In 1968, the roadster passed into private hands when famed customizer Dean Jeffries acquired it from Ford. Jeffries held the car for more than four decades, preserving its legacy until its sale in 2013. The vehicle was later treated to a full concours-quality restoration by Harley Cluxton III, returning it to its Le Mans configuration.
Since its restoration, GT/109 has been a star on the concours circuit. It took second in class at the 2016 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance — trailing only the original 1966 Le Mans-winning GT40 — and claimed Best of Show at the Milwaukee Concours the same year.
Equipped with a rebuilt HiPo 289 V8 originally gifted by Carroll Shelby to Jeffries, this roadster is more than a showpiece; it is a bridge to a pivotal moment in motorsport history. Now, under the gavel of Dana Mecum, it could join a new chapter in private hands — if bidders are prepared to meet its undoubtedly sky-high value.
This vehicle is selling at Dana Mecum’s 38th Original Spring Classic May 9-17. Watch the action in person or on ESPN+. With 3,000 classic and collectors vehicles for sale, there’s a great selection!
Elizabeth Puckett