The iconic 1965 Ford GT40 Roadster Prototype, a legendary race car, is once again heading to auction. This marks its third time being offered for sale, and the question on everyone’s mind is whether it will finally find the right buyer. While many associate Ford with the Mustang, this car holds a much rarer and historically significant place in the automotive world.
This particular vehicle is one of only 12 GT40 prototypes built by Ford between 1964 and 1965, and of those, only five were roadsters, making it exceptionally rare. Most notably, it is the only GT40 roadster to ever compete in the grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans race, adding a layer of prestige that the Mustang cannot match.
The GT/109’s Journey Through History
Delivered to the Shelby team in March 1965 as part of Ford’s preparation for the Le Mans race, the car was repainted in white with dark blue stripes. The Shelby team made several performance adjustments to the vehicle. French drivers Maurice Trintignant and Guy Liguier piloted the GT/109, but the car was forced to retire after just 11 laps due to a transmission failure.
After the race, the GT/109 was returned to Shelby for restoration. It later became part of the personal collection of custom car designer Dean Jeffries before being purchased by Dana Mecum, founder of Mecum Auctions, from Jeffries’ son in 2013. Since then, the car has undergone multiple restorations, positioning it for a higher valuation in the classic car market.
Will the GT/109 Find a Buyer This Time?
This upcoming auction marks the GT/109’s third attempt at finding a new owner. The car was first auctioned at the Mecum Kissimmee auction in 2018 but failed to sell. It was put up again in 2020 with a high expected price but did not find a buyer. Now, it is scheduled for auction at Mecum in May 2025. Will it finally find a new home?
A key factor in determining its price will be the sale of another GT40, the GT/108, which fetched $7.65 million at the RM Monterey auction in 2019. If the GT/109’s value follows a similar trajectory, it could reach that price range—or potentially even exceed it.
The GT40 Legacy: Will It Break the Record?
The GT/109 is not just a classic car. It is a legendary race car directly connected to Ford’s Le Mans history. The American mass-market brand currently has the GT/109 as its flagship. As the only GT40 roadster to have competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, it is very attractive to vehicle collectors. It seems to be a historical legacy. However, since it has failed to sell at auction twice, it may not find a proper price this time either.
As the market for rare, historically significant vehicles continues to grow, there is hope that the GT/109 will fetch a higher price this time around. The automotive world eagerly awaits the outcome of the May 2025 Mecum auction to see if this iconic piece of history will finally break records or continue searching for its perfect owner.
