Cars 1966-67
Except otherwise stated, all results include the premium.
See also : Cars Cars of the 1960s Ferrari Ford and Shelby Cars in movies
Chronology : 1966 1967
See also : Cars Cars of the 1960s Ferrari Ford and Shelby Cars in movies
Chronology : 1966 1967
Ferrari 275 GTB
Intro
In many ways, the Ferrari 275 is the follower to the 250 GT. It is a range of products with incremental improvements. The 275 was introduced in 1964 with a touring version which is the GTB and a sports version, the GTS. The bodies are designed by Pinin Farina and built by Scaglietti.
Released in October 1966, the 275 GTB/4 is the ultimate and most effective of the Ferrari berlinettas offered for a dual purpose of road and race. 330 units were produced from 1966 to 1968. The engine is a new 3.3 litre Tipo 226 V-12 by Colombo.
It is equipped with a four-cam engine and other improvements that solve the issue of the disappointing top speed of the preceding variants. It reaches 100 km/h in less than six seconds and a top speed of 260 km/h. It retains the longer nose introduced by Ferrari earlier in 1966 to prevent the lifting of the car at high speed.
The 275 models were terminated in 1968 after new rules banned them from Le Mans 24.
Released in October 1966, the 275 GTB/4 is the ultimate and most effective of the Ferrari berlinettas offered for a dual purpose of road and race. 330 units were produced from 1966 to 1968. The engine is a new 3.3 litre Tipo 226 V-12 by Colombo.
It is equipped with a four-cam engine and other improvements that solve the issue of the disappointing top speed of the preceding variants. It reaches 100 km/h in less than six seconds and a top speed of 260 km/h. It retains the longer nose introduced by Ferrari earlier in 1966 to prevent the lifting of the car at high speed.
The 275 models were terminated in 1968 after new rules banned them from Le Mans 24.
1
1966 GTB/C Speciale
2017 SOLD for $ 14.5M by Gooding
In 1964 the 275 range with a 3.3 liter engine succeeds the 250 without interrupting the development of competition models in small or very small series.
Three 275 GTB/C Speziale (C meaning Competizione) are prepared for the 1965 season. They are essentially an adaptation of the engine of the 250 LM on a shortened chassis of the 275 GTB. The effort is already focused on any possibility of weight gain. The FIA accepts its homologation with reluctance, but too late in the season.
In 1966 another 275 GTB/C series goes further for a new weight gain of about 150 kg. The engineer Forghieri, who had developed the 250 GTO, now designed a chassis and body in very thin aluminum while the robustness of the rear is managed with fiberglass. The realization of the bodywork is a tour de force by Scaglietti. Its Achilles heel is the wire wheel. The approval is partial due to inconsistencies in the dossier concerning the carburetors.
That 1966 275 GTB/C series is made of 12 cars. The sixth was raced in Italy by Renzo Sinibaldi, winning 1st in GT class in 8 events in its first year. It was sold for $ 14.5M by Gooding on August 19, 2017, lot 120. Please watch the video in still views shared by the auction house.
Collectors prefer cars with a racing history. For comparison, the ninth example was not raced in period. Arguably the most original of the group, it is maintained in full matching numbers. It was sold for € 5.7M by RM Auctions on May 10, 2014, lot 169.
Three 275 GTB/C Speziale (C meaning Competizione) are prepared for the 1965 season. They are essentially an adaptation of the engine of the 250 LM on a shortened chassis of the 275 GTB. The effort is already focused on any possibility of weight gain. The FIA accepts its homologation with reluctance, but too late in the season.
In 1966 another 275 GTB/C series goes further for a new weight gain of about 150 kg. The engineer Forghieri, who had developed the 250 GTO, now designed a chassis and body in very thin aluminum while the robustness of the rear is managed with fiberglass. The realization of the bodywork is a tour de force by Scaglietti. Its Achilles heel is the wire wheel. The approval is partial due to inconsistencies in the dossier concerning the carburetors.
That 1966 275 GTB/C series is made of 12 cars. The sixth was raced in Italy by Renzo Sinibaldi, winning 1st in GT class in 8 events in its first year. It was sold for $ 14.5M by Gooding on August 19, 2017, lot 120. Please watch the video in still views shared by the auction house.
Collectors prefer cars with a racing history. For comparison, the ninth example was not raced in period. Arguably the most original of the group, it is maintained in full matching numbers. It was sold for € 5.7M by RM Auctions on May 10, 2014, lot 169.
2
1966 GTB/C
2015 SOLD for $ 9.4M by Bonhams
The eleventh car from the 12 Ferrari 275 GTB/C of the 1966 series was raced in period in international events by the factory supported Swiss based Scuderia Filipinetti. It won 1st in class in 24h Le Mans in 1967 and Francorchamps 1000 km and Imola 500 km in 1969.
It was sold for $ 9.4M by Bonhams on January 15, 2015, lot 128, and for $ 7.7M by RM Sotheby's on August 13, 2021, lot 238. In the mean time the engine and transaxle have been replaced for a better performance in vintage competition. The original equipments accompany the car.
It was sold for $ 9.4M by Bonhams on January 15, 2015, lot 128, and for $ 7.7M by RM Sotheby's on August 13, 2021, lot 238. In the mean time the engine and transaxle have been replaced for a better performance in vintage competition. The original equipments accompany the car.
3
1966 GTB/C
2022 SOLD for $ 7.6M by RM Sotheby's
The limited series of GT sports models that succeeded to the Ferrari 250 GTO were built for the race, although a dual road and racing purpose was still suitable. In 1966 the 275 GTB/C was the last racing GT model built by Ferrari’s competition department. It was made for the privateers with no works cars scheduled.
Cars with a racing pedigree are appealing the collectors. The ninth 275 GTB/C from the 1966 series of 12, coachworked by Scaglietti, is a good example of a competition car that was not raced in period, entering its first veteran competition in 1988.
Arguably the most original of the group, it is maintained in matching numbers for the engine and gearbox. It was sold for only € 5.7M by RM Auctions on May 10, 2014, lot 169. It was sold for $ 7.6M by RM Sotheby's on August 20, 2022, lot 346. It had been submitted in the mean time to a three year restoration.
Cars with a racing pedigree are appealing the collectors. The ninth 275 GTB/C from the 1966 series of 12, coachworked by Scaglietti, is a good example of a competition car that was not raced in period, entering its first veteran competition in 1988.
Arguably the most original of the group, it is maintained in matching numbers for the engine and gearbox. It was sold for only € 5.7M by RM Auctions on May 10, 2014, lot 169. It was sold for $ 7.6M by RM Sotheby's on August 20, 2022, lot 346. It had been submitted in the mean time to a three year restoration.
4
1967 GTB/4 NART Spider
2013 SOLD for $ 27.5M by RM Auctions
The special series produced by Ferrari in the mid-1960s include the prettiest cars of all time, designed alternately by Pininfarina and Scaglietti. They also mark the end of a golden age. The rapid increase in production costs pushes to standardization and an industrial make is now unavoidable.
The models 275, 330 and 365 have replaced the 250. The latest Speciale are using these chassis. Alongside prototypes and concept cars, some of them have a target to try new ideas that can then be used in volume production.
Ferrari has always endeavored to flatter its American customers. The designations America, Superamerica and California attributed to high end variants are a convincing evidence of that fact.
Former winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Luigi Chinetti was a skilled agent of Ferrari in the United States. In 1958, he created the North American Racing Team (NART) that achieved very good results, in Europe also.
For his network of passionate customers, Chinetti negotiated in 1967 with Ferrari a special order for a new sports model to be built by Scaglietti on the 275 GTB chassis. This project was somehow a remake of the successful 250 GT California Spider created almost ten years earlier. Techniques have changed in the mean time. Unfortunately, production costs have risen. Times are hard for Ferrari, which had to put an end to the 250 GTO and escaped very narrowly an acquisition by Ford.
This rare 275 GTB/4 NART Spider (also spelled Spyder) appears as an outstanding post-GTO model fitted to arouse passions. Completed in January 1967 and repainted in dark metallic burgundy, the first car is driven in the same year by Faye Dunaway in The Thomas Crown Affair and admired without limit by one of Ferrari's most knowledgeable fans, Steve McQueen.
The price tag was $ 14,400 compared to the 9,200 for a standard 275 GTB. The American market did not meet the expectations of Chinetti who had hoped to order 25 units. Not only this series was limited to 10 cars but the last of them did not even join the North American NART whatever the reason. Released from factory in 1968, it was sold to a Spanish customer. Please watch the video shared by RM Auctions before it passed at auction on May 14, 2016, lot 254.
The original owner of the eighth 275 GTB/4 NART Spider enjoyed it so much that he refused to sell it to anybody including Steve McQueen despairing to replace the damaged sixth example. It remained in his family until it was sold for $ 27.5M for the benefit of charities by RM Auctions on August 16/17, 2013. Please watch the video shared by Petrolicious for the auction house.
Ferrari does not so much like the spiders and gives no further action after the delivery of that custom order which may be considered as a Speciale. Nevertheless this small convertible model is very efficient and highly elegant, and would later be imitated. Some owners of 275 GTB in more standard variants will even wish to rebuild their car like a NART Spider.
In the opposite, the 330 GTC Speciale coupe designed by Pininfarina is exhibited by Ferrari at the Brussels Motor Show in 1967. Only four cars are ordered by customers and hand built by Pininfarina. This highly rare car is a transitional model with a sloping nose that elongates the silhouette and an increased comfort including curved windows and air conditioning. The third 330 GTC Speciale was sold for $ 3.4M by Gooding on January 30, 2016, lot 145.
The models 275, 330 and 365 have replaced the 250. The latest Speciale are using these chassis. Alongside prototypes and concept cars, some of them have a target to try new ideas that can then be used in volume production.
Ferrari has always endeavored to flatter its American customers. The designations America, Superamerica and California attributed to high end variants are a convincing evidence of that fact.
Former winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Luigi Chinetti was a skilled agent of Ferrari in the United States. In 1958, he created the North American Racing Team (NART) that achieved very good results, in Europe also.
For his network of passionate customers, Chinetti negotiated in 1967 with Ferrari a special order for a new sports model to be built by Scaglietti on the 275 GTB chassis. This project was somehow a remake of the successful 250 GT California Spider created almost ten years earlier. Techniques have changed in the mean time. Unfortunately, production costs have risen. Times are hard for Ferrari, which had to put an end to the 250 GTO and escaped very narrowly an acquisition by Ford.
This rare 275 GTB/4 NART Spider (also spelled Spyder) appears as an outstanding post-GTO model fitted to arouse passions. Completed in January 1967 and repainted in dark metallic burgundy, the first car is driven in the same year by Faye Dunaway in The Thomas Crown Affair and admired without limit by one of Ferrari's most knowledgeable fans, Steve McQueen.
The price tag was $ 14,400 compared to the 9,200 for a standard 275 GTB. The American market did not meet the expectations of Chinetti who had hoped to order 25 units. Not only this series was limited to 10 cars but the last of them did not even join the North American NART whatever the reason. Released from factory in 1968, it was sold to a Spanish customer. Please watch the video shared by RM Auctions before it passed at auction on May 14, 2016, lot 254.
The original owner of the eighth 275 GTB/4 NART Spider enjoyed it so much that he refused to sell it to anybody including Steve McQueen despairing to replace the damaged sixth example. It remained in his family until it was sold for $ 27.5M for the benefit of charities by RM Auctions on August 16/17, 2013. Please watch the video shared by Petrolicious for the auction house.
Ferrari does not so much like the spiders and gives no further action after the delivery of that custom order which may be considered as a Speciale. Nevertheless this small convertible model is very efficient and highly elegant, and would later be imitated. Some owners of 275 GTB in more standard variants will even wish to rebuild their car like a NART Spider.
In the opposite, the 330 GTC Speciale coupe designed by Pininfarina is exhibited by Ferrari at the Brussels Motor Show in 1967. Only four cars are ordered by customers and hand built by Pininfarina. This highly rare car is a transitional model with a sloping nose that elongates the silhouette and an increased comfort including curved windows and air conditioning. The third 330 GTC Speciale was sold for $ 3.4M by Gooding on January 30, 2016, lot 145.
5
1967 GTB/4 ex Steve McQueen
2014 SOLD for $ 10.2M by RM Auctions
Steve McQueen had a fabulous collection of all kinds of motorcycles. In his passion for speed, he also wanted to own and drive the best cars. A valiant Ferrari 250 GT/L Lusso generated his interest for the Italian brand.
The new 275 series is more powerful than the 250. In 1967, the 275 NART Spyder is the upscale, specially manufactured for the American market. McQueen buys one but it is damaged during delivery. Repair is long, and McQueen is not patient. He will not use it.
He then bought a car from the closest production model : a 275 GTB/4 coupe. The color does not pleased him and he had it repainted even before accepting to see it. His car becomes chianti red, inspired by a NART that he had enjoyed in his film The Thomas Crown Affair nicknaming it 'one of those red Italian things'. Bespoke features include black leather seats and a side mirror<:
McQueen used extensively his GTB/4 until 1971. A subsequent owner tried to reconfigure it in NART but now it has been restored to its original configuration. To be again exactly as McQueen had wanted, it received an underlayer of the refused color before being repainted in chianti red.
The 275 GTB/4 is not a rare model, but it is very pretty with its elongated nose needed to maintain its stability despite the increase in power. Due to its relationship with McQueen, this car had a great success with the public during a temporary exhibition in the Museo Ferrari in Maranello.
Retaining its engine and gearbox in matching numbers, this car was sold for $ 10.2M by RM Auctions on August 16, 2914. Please watch the video shared by the auction house before that sale. It was sold for $ 5.4M by RM Sotheby's on August 19, 2023, lot 333.
A 275 GTB/4 made by Ferrari in 1967 has been commissioned in the USA through Chinetti by a Mr Del Rio with many bespoke goodies including a paint to sample verde medio finish and a very unique front grille advanced by 2.5 inches. It is indeed an early precursor to Ferrari's current Tailor Made program.
It keeps its matching number engine and gearbox and its original orange leather interior and spare wheel. Presented in its original color combination, it was sold for $ 3.8M by RM Sotheby's on August 19, 2023, lot 356. It is accompanied by its toolkit, user's manual, factory correspondence.
Another highly original 1967 275 GTB/4 with only 16,000 km from new is retaining its dark blue paint finish and beautifully preserved beige interior. It was sold for $ 3.9M by Gooding on August 15, 2015, lot 029. At that time, it had never been restored. After a maintenance by Motion Products, it was sold for $ 3.5M by Gooding on March 3, 2023, lot 150. It is illustrated in 4th position in the press release. It is accompanied by books, original tools and an extensive early documentation.
The new 275 series is more powerful than the 250. In 1967, the 275 NART Spyder is the upscale, specially manufactured for the American market. McQueen buys one but it is damaged during delivery. Repair is long, and McQueen is not patient. He will not use it.
He then bought a car from the closest production model : a 275 GTB/4 coupe. The color does not pleased him and he had it repainted even before accepting to see it. His car becomes chianti red, inspired by a NART that he had enjoyed in his film The Thomas Crown Affair nicknaming it 'one of those red Italian things'. Bespoke features include black leather seats and a side mirror<:
McQueen used extensively his GTB/4 until 1971. A subsequent owner tried to reconfigure it in NART but now it has been restored to its original configuration. To be again exactly as McQueen had wanted, it received an underlayer of the refused color before being repainted in chianti red.
The 275 GTB/4 is not a rare model, but it is very pretty with its elongated nose needed to maintain its stability despite the increase in power. Due to its relationship with McQueen, this car had a great success with the public during a temporary exhibition in the Museo Ferrari in Maranello.
Retaining its engine and gearbox in matching numbers, this car was sold for $ 10.2M by RM Auctions on August 16, 2914. Please watch the video shared by the auction house before that sale. It was sold for $ 5.4M by RM Sotheby's on August 19, 2023, lot 333.
A 275 GTB/4 made by Ferrari in 1967 has been commissioned in the USA through Chinetti by a Mr Del Rio with many bespoke goodies including a paint to sample verde medio finish and a very unique front grille advanced by 2.5 inches. It is indeed an early precursor to Ferrari's current Tailor Made program.
It keeps its matching number engine and gearbox and its original orange leather interior and spare wheel. Presented in its original color combination, it was sold for $ 3.8M by RM Sotheby's on August 19, 2023, lot 356. It is accompanied by its toolkit, user's manual, factory correspondence.
Another highly original 1967 275 GTB/4 with only 16,000 km from new is retaining its dark blue paint finish and beautifully preserved beige interior. It was sold for $ 3.9M by Gooding on August 15, 2015, lot 029. At that time, it had never been restored. After a maintenance by Motion Products, it was sold for $ 3.5M by Gooding on March 3, 2023, lot 150. It is illustrated in 4th position in the press release. It is accompanied by books, original tools and an extensive early documentation.
1967 Ferrari 412P
2023 SOLD for $ 30M by Bonhams
The FIA introduced a Prototype class for the 1964 season, while the Grand Touring class got new rules requiring that the entering cars are based on a commercial production exceeding 100 units.
These changes disqualified the 250 GTO. Ferrari made a questionable decision by trying to cover both classes by the same development. The new 250 LM berlinetta was in due course rejected by the FIA as it was indeed not based on the 250 GT SWB. It was raced as a prototype in competition beside its sister model with an open cockpit, the 250 P.
The P series of mid engined rear wheel drive prototypes was operated by Ferrari with various models, all of them in very limited quantities. Many cars including the four 250 Ps were converted to upgraded models.
The 330 P3 with a 4 liter V-12 engine was raced in 1966. It was made in 3 units. In 1967 the 412 was its carbureted version. 330, referring to the individual volume of a cylinder, and 412, meaning 4 liter and 12 cylindres, are technically matching in the dual system of Ferrari nomenclatures.
The 412 P population is 4 including 2 upgraded 330 P3. The other 330 P3, unsuccessful in all its races in its original configuration, had been converted as the unique transitional P3/P4 after the 1966 Le Mans 24 and destroyed in 1968.
The 412 Ps were not retained for the works team. They were respectively supplied to NART and Filipinetti for the upgraded 330s, and to Ecurie Francorchamps and Maranello Concessionaires for the original 412s. The top speed of the model was 310 km/h.
The Maranello Concessionaires example is coached as a berlinetta by Fantuzzi. A painstaking 9 year restoration included the refurbishment of its original bodywork and livery to its earliest racing configuration. It is road legal and has been regularly used.
Despite an active racing history in period when it contributed to Ferrari's 1967 World's Constructors Championship short win against Porsche, it retains in matching numbers its 4 liter V-12 engine, the chassis and the gearbox. It was sold for $ 30M by Bonhams on August 18, 2023, lot 67.
A new change by the FIA in 1968 limited to 3 liters the capacity in the Prototype class. The Ferrari 4 liter P range was replaced by the 3 liter 312 P and Maranello Concessionaires terminated their racing team. 312 is equivalent to 250 in terms of Ferrari references.
These changes disqualified the 250 GTO. Ferrari made a questionable decision by trying to cover both classes by the same development. The new 250 LM berlinetta was in due course rejected by the FIA as it was indeed not based on the 250 GT SWB. It was raced as a prototype in competition beside its sister model with an open cockpit, the 250 P.
The P series of mid engined rear wheel drive prototypes was operated by Ferrari with various models, all of them in very limited quantities. Many cars including the four 250 Ps were converted to upgraded models.
The 330 P3 with a 4 liter V-12 engine was raced in 1966. It was made in 3 units. In 1967 the 412 was its carbureted version. 330, referring to the individual volume of a cylinder, and 412, meaning 4 liter and 12 cylindres, are technically matching in the dual system of Ferrari nomenclatures.
The 412 P population is 4 including 2 upgraded 330 P3. The other 330 P3, unsuccessful in all its races in its original configuration, had been converted as the unique transitional P3/P4 after the 1966 Le Mans 24 and destroyed in 1968.
The 412 Ps were not retained for the works team. They were respectively supplied to NART and Filipinetti for the upgraded 330s, and to Ecurie Francorchamps and Maranello Concessionaires for the original 412s. The top speed of the model was 310 km/h.
The Maranello Concessionaires example is coached as a berlinetta by Fantuzzi. A painstaking 9 year restoration included the refurbishment of its original bodywork and livery to its earliest racing configuration. It is road legal and has been regularly used.
Despite an active racing history in period when it contributed to Ferrari's 1967 World's Constructors Championship short win against Porsche, it retains in matching numbers its 4 liter V-12 engine, the chassis and the gearbox. It was sold for $ 30M by Bonhams on August 18, 2023, lot 67.
A new change by the FIA in 1968 limited to 3 liters the capacity in the Prototype class. The Ferrari 4 liter P range was replaced by the 3 liter 312 P and Maranello Concessionaires terminated their racing team. 312 is equivalent to 250 in terms of Ferrari references.
Ford GT40
1
1966 MkII
2018 SOLD for $ 9.8M by RM Sotheby's
The first GT40 series, in 1964, is the Mk I with a 4.7 liter V8 engine. Aerodynamics is poorly designed and the results are bad. Meanwhile the arch-rival Ferrari won at Le Mans in 1965 for the sixth year in a row.
HF2 is stubborn. In 1966 you have to win at any price. The Mk II series is equipped with a 7-liter Ford V8 engine. Carroll Shelby replaced Wyer and transferred the maintenance to the United States. The technical problems observed on the early Mk I have been dealt with and the performances of the Mk IIs at Daytona and Sebring are promising.
The triumph occurred at the 24 Hours of Le Mans 1966 in the presence of the boss. No less than eight Mk II and five Mk I entrusted to several private teams are qualified after the practice. Of these cars only three finish the race, all of them Mk II, but they occupy brilliantly the first three positions. For the first time an American brand has won the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
There is no reason to minimize this success, and the GT40 will win again the next three editions, in 1967 with a Mk IV and with a return of the Mk I in 1968 and 1969 following a rule change limiting the power. However it should also be reminded the very poor result of Ferrari in 1966, the first car of this brand being outpaced not only by the three Ford but also by four Porsche 906.
On August 24, 2018, RM Sotheby's sold at lot 124 for $ 9.8M a car from the winning trio : the Mk II ranked 3rd at Le Mans in 1966. After that race it was used as a promotional car and then as a development car for the Mk IIB series. Timed at 326 Km/h at Mulsanne in 1967, it meets HF2's target that his GT40 exceed 320 Km/h.
HF2 is stubborn. In 1966 you have to win at any price. The Mk II series is equipped with a 7-liter Ford V8 engine. Carroll Shelby replaced Wyer and transferred the maintenance to the United States. The technical problems observed on the early Mk I have been dealt with and the performances of the Mk IIs at Daytona and Sebring are promising.
The triumph occurred at the 24 Hours of Le Mans 1966 in the presence of the boss. No less than eight Mk II and five Mk I entrusted to several private teams are qualified after the practice. Of these cars only three finish the race, all of them Mk II, but they occupy brilliantly the first three positions. For the first time an American brand has won the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
There is no reason to minimize this success, and the GT40 will win again the next three editions, in 1967 with a Mk IV and with a return of the Mk I in 1968 and 1969 following a rule change limiting the power. However it should also be reminded the very poor result of Ferrari in 1966, the first car of this brand being outpaced not only by the three Ford but also by four Porsche 906.
On August 24, 2018, RM Sotheby's sold at lot 124 for $ 9.8M a car from the winning trio : the Mk II ranked 3rd at Le Mans in 1966. After that race it was used as a promotional car and then as a development car for the Mk IIB series. Timed at 326 Km/h at Mulsanne in 1967, it meets HF2's target that his GT40 exceed 320 Km/h.
2
1966 Mk I road car
2024 SOLD for $ 6.9M by Mecum
In 1966, while a new version Mk II is developed for competition, the original variant Mk I is converted for the road.
Ford hopes that the commercial success of this vehicle will be at the level of its performance and the arrival from UK in the USA of a first demonstration car in the road legal version is eagerly awaited. Its promotional tour is extensive with a culmination at Sebring where it makes the parade throughout the weekend of the event. Four pages are devoted to it in Playboy magazine in July 1966.
This specific car appeals the customer with an additional care provided to comfort, including air conditioning, layout of luggage and increased use of leather.
It traveled less than 18,000 km from new, significantly for its promotional activities. When it was to restore it the experts were astonished by its authentic condition. This restoration that just ended had lasted four years and the car was established in the most detailed configuration from its glorious exhibition at Sebring half a century earlier.
This historically important example of one of the most elegant road cars of the twentieth century was sold for $ 4.4M before fees by Mecum on August 20, 2016, lot S103.
Ford assembled 31 road going GT40 Mk I in support to the FIA GT homologation. With their additional trim, Borrani wire wheels and comfortable interiors including carpet, ruched fabric map pockets in the doors and a cigarette lighter, they are considered as the most beautiful variant.
Made in 1966 by Ford in England and delivered to Italy in November, one of them was sold for $ 6.9M by Mecum on January 12, 2024, lot F155. Originally prepared with some competition options in a stunning metallic dark blue, it has never been damaged or raced. It has been restored by RUF Automobiles in as new condition and has less than 22,000 km from new. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
Ford hopes that the commercial success of this vehicle will be at the level of its performance and the arrival from UK in the USA of a first demonstration car in the road legal version is eagerly awaited. Its promotional tour is extensive with a culmination at Sebring where it makes the parade throughout the weekend of the event. Four pages are devoted to it in Playboy magazine in July 1966.
This specific car appeals the customer with an additional care provided to comfort, including air conditioning, layout of luggage and increased use of leather.
It traveled less than 18,000 km from new, significantly for its promotional activities. When it was to restore it the experts were astonished by its authentic condition. This restoration that just ended had lasted four years and the car was established in the most detailed configuration from its glorious exhibition at Sebring half a century earlier.
This historically important example of one of the most elegant road cars of the twentieth century was sold for $ 4.4M before fees by Mecum on August 20, 2016, lot S103.
Ford assembled 31 road going GT40 Mk I in support to the FIA GT homologation. With their additional trim, Borrani wire wheels and comfortable interiors including carpet, ruched fabric map pockets in the doors and a cigarette lighter, they are considered as the most beautiful variant.
Made in 1966 by Ford in England and delivered to Italy in November, one of them was sold for $ 6.9M by Mecum on January 12, 2024, lot F155. Originally prepared with some competition options in a stunning metallic dark blue, it has never been damaged or raced. It has been restored by RUF Automobiles in as new condition and has less than 22,000 km from new. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
3
1967 by JWA
2012 SOLD for $ 11M by RM Auctions
Ford's sporting goal is achieved with the full podium at Le Mans in 1966. FAV is dissolved and the Slough factory is sold to John Wyer, the former head of FAV as a subcontractor for Ford's commercial production with the company name John Wyer Automotive (JWA).
There were only 133 GT40 overall, cumulating all variants. One of these GT40, sold for $ 11M by RM Auctions on August 17, 2012, is related to the JWA phase of the model. Please watch the video shared by RM Auctions .
It successfully started its career by winning at Spa in May 1967 in a Mirage M configuration. Due to one of these changes in race regulations which we so often discuss in this group, it was rebuilt in the following year by Wyer under a configuration identified as 1968 Ford GT40 Gulf / Mirage Lightweight Racing Car.
It is one of two survivors from three lightweight GT40 by Wyer, and one of the earliest racing cars to use carbon fiber.
It then went to the movies industry, but not in the star role which its supreme elegance would have earned. In 1970, its roof was cut to allow the use of a 35mm camera by an operator on the passenger seat, and it was launched in the pursuit of the Porsche 917 of Steve McQueen as a camera car for the preparation of the film Le Mans.
There were only 133 GT40 overall, cumulating all variants. One of these GT40, sold for $ 11M by RM Auctions on August 17, 2012, is related to the JWA phase of the model. Please watch the video shared by RM Auctions .
It successfully started its career by winning at Spa in May 1967 in a Mirage M configuration. Due to one of these changes in race regulations which we so often discuss in this group, it was rebuilt in the following year by Wyer under a configuration identified as 1968 Ford GT40 Gulf / Mirage Lightweight Racing Car.
It is one of two survivors from three lightweight GT40 by Wyer, and one of the earliest racing cars to use carbon fiber.
It then went to the movies industry, but not in the star role which its supreme elegance would have earned. In 1970, its roof was cut to allow the use of a 35mm camera by an operator on the passenger seat, and it was launched in the pursuit of the Porsche 917 of Steve McQueen as a camera car for the preparation of the film Le Mans.
1966 Shelby 427
2021 SOLD for $ 5.9M by Mecum
AC Cobra is the brand for the cars assembled by Shelby American from 1962 to 1967 with Ford engines on British rolling chassis by AC Cars. Its rise in power led in 1965 to the 427 Cobra competition roadster with a 7 liter (427 cubic inches) engine on the new Mk III chassis. They are not street legal because the superfluous equipment such as windshield, fender and muffler have been removed.
The new model targeted the Group 3 GT class of the FIA for which the homologation required 100 competition cars. Only 51 were available for the FIA inspection and the 1965 homologation was not granted. Shelby American gives up and downgrades some unsold cars to 427 S/C (semi-competition), a road legal Shelby specification with a less efficient engine.
The road model of the 1965 Mk III 427 is using another Ford engine. The failure of the competition version is not commercially favorable to this roadster, despite an excellent performance in its category. The boss wants to buy one.
The 1965 427 Street Cobra CSX3178 is assembled from January to March 1966. It is delivered to home to Carroll Shelby who will use it regularly and will never part with it. It has retained its original body and chassis and has been repainted in its rare Charcoal Gray original color.
Carroll Shelby's personal Cobra was sold for $ 5.9M by Mecum on January 15, 2021, lot F145. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
One of the original Competition Cobras, finished in September 1965, had another fate. Carroll Shelby decided in 1967 to push it to the highest possible performance on the road. It was referred as the Super Snake and titled 1966.
The Super Snake retained its original engine and was fitted with a twin supercharger and a three speed automatic transmission while receiving the required pieces of equipment for road homologation.
This car which has retained its original engine block was sold three times by Barrett-Jackson : for $ 5.5M on January 21, 2007, lot 1301, for $ 5.1M on January 17, 2015, lot 2509. and for $ 5.5M again on March 27, 2021, lot 1396. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
The only other car upgraded to Super Snake specification had got the opposite transformation : it was built from a street car, on request from a showbiz celebrity. It was accidentally destroyed by falling off a cliff into the Pacific ocean.
The new model targeted the Group 3 GT class of the FIA for which the homologation required 100 competition cars. Only 51 were available for the FIA inspection and the 1965 homologation was not granted. Shelby American gives up and downgrades some unsold cars to 427 S/C (semi-competition), a road legal Shelby specification with a less efficient engine.
The road model of the 1965 Mk III 427 is using another Ford engine. The failure of the competition version is not commercially favorable to this roadster, despite an excellent performance in its category. The boss wants to buy one.
The 1965 427 Street Cobra CSX3178 is assembled from January to March 1966. It is delivered to home to Carroll Shelby who will use it regularly and will never part with it. It has retained its original body and chassis and has been repainted in its rare Charcoal Gray original color.
Carroll Shelby's personal Cobra was sold for $ 5.9M by Mecum on January 15, 2021, lot F145. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
One of the original Competition Cobras, finished in September 1965, had another fate. Carroll Shelby decided in 1967 to push it to the highest possible performance on the road. It was referred as the Super Snake and titled 1966.
The Super Snake retained its original engine and was fitted with a twin supercharger and a three speed automatic transmission while receiving the required pieces of equipment for road homologation.
This car which has retained its original engine block was sold three times by Barrett-Jackson : for $ 5.5M on January 21, 2007, lot 1301, for $ 5.1M on January 17, 2015, lot 2509. and for $ 5.5M again on March 27, 2021, lot 1396. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
The only other car upgraded to Super Snake specification had got the opposite transformation : it was built from a street car, on request from a showbiz celebrity. It was accidentally destroyed by falling off a cliff into the Pacific ocean.
