1966 Le Mans Ford GT40 headlines RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction

By: Alex Affat, Unique Cars magazine

Date: 14.06.2018

One of the three podium-sweeping GT40s from Ford’s first Le Mans win up for auction

One of the three Ford GT40s that rounded out the podium at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans, is headed across the auction block at RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction on August 24-25.

The estimate for this historic racing car is slated at approximately AUD$12-$15 million dollars!

| FORD GT40 BARN FIND

Chassis P/1016, the car placed third in that historic and iconic 1-2-3 photo finish at the 1966 Le Mans, after completing 348 laps and driven by American duo: Ronnie Bucknum and Dick Hutcherson.

Ford’s endeavours in the 1966 Le Mans are the stuff of legends; they were locked in a rivalry with Ferrari after a prior business deal went sour, and in the blooming age of globalism, they were desperate to take out a victory in order to bring their brand to the forefront of the world’s minds.

The Ford GT40, with its 7.0lt V8, was a head of its time and played an integral role in Ford’s motorsport history. It is arguably the most significant American race car ever.

RM Sotheby’s Car Specialist Alexander Weaver says of P/1016: "…if it wasn’t for this car, the history of motorsport as we know it would be very different".

"This Ford has been restored to the condition it raced in, which will be a vital consideration for any prospective buyer. Few cars can be considered gold standard, but this GT40 is, and will always be remembered as one of the Fords that finally beat Ferrari."

As RM Sotheby’s flagship auction, taking place at the Pebble Beach concours d’Elegeance, this isn’t the only special car on offer.

Other notable lots include:

A 1969 Porsche 908 Works ‘Short-Tail’ Coupe: One of Porsche’s legendary racers, this car took part in the 1969 Spa 1000km for the Porsche factory team. Price estimation between USD$2.3 million – USD$2.8 million.

The 1970 Lola T153 ‘Sunoco Special’: Purchased by Roger Penske, and placed 2^nd at the 1970 Indy 500. Price estimation between USD$500,000 - USD$700,000, offered with no reserve.

The RM Sotheby’s Monterey Auction will take place next month during Car Week, August 24-25 in Monterey, California.

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