The Ford GT40 is a proper legend in the world of motorsport, leaving an indelible mark on endurance racing, specifically, by famously beating Ferrari at its own game. Now the star of a Hollywood smash hit movie, the GT40 is also incredibly valuable in any form - whether that be the road-going version or those built specifically for competition, so anytime one pops up for auction, it's big news. However, this 1969 Ford GT40 MKIII is a bit more special than some, at least, historically speaking.
This 1969 Ford GT40 MKIII is scheduled to cross the block at Mecum's 2026 Kissimmee, Florida auction in January, and it's quite special for a number of reasons. For starters, it's the highest numbered Ford GT40 chassis that exists - P/1085 - and is believed to be the last to be finished after it was sold new as a rolling chassis. After that, the chassis remained in storage until the late 2000s, at which point it was built to original specs for use in historic racing events.
As such, the chassis of this GT40 looks basically brand new, and it was one of just 20 late-production units commissioned in late 1966 by Ford for the planned MKIII program, too. Of that bunch, just seven were built in street guise, with 13 left unused - including this one - the last GT40 to be numbered in production sequence by Ford Advanced Vehicles. It remained in the possession of the original owner until 2006, at which point it was sold to a friend, and then, to another individual in 2007.
That person shipped the chassis and various components to Ian Jones' Racing Fabrications in the UK to have the car finished, a process that was completed in early 2009. The car then subsequently hit the track for the very first time at a Masters Series test day at Donnington Park, marking its first foray into the world of vintage racing.
Now, this very notable Ford GT40 MKIII is going up for grabs with loads of documentation and photos covering this machine's rather unique history - and we don't doubt that it will conjure up loads of interest when it hits the block early next year.
Only for buyers in states where the 2026 Escape can be sold.
That's more than enough to move the hatchback.
Seriously. What was the point?
It has made several appearances at that annual event.
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“….and is believed to be…”
Big whoop.
Trust, but verify with hard documentation / certification.
The MkIII was the road-going version - isn’t this a MkI?