Ford GT40 MkII - Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Racing Prototype |
| Released At | 1966 Model Year |
| Built At | Slough, England / Dearborn, Michigan, USA |
| Engine | 7.0L Naturally Aspirated V8 (Ford FE 427) |
| Position | Mid-Engine, Longitudinal |
| Aspiration | Natural |
| Block Material | Cast Iron |
| Valvetrain | OHV, 2 Valves per Cylinder |
| Fuel Feed | Four-Barrel Carburetor |
| Displacement | 6997 cc / 427.0 in³ |
| Bore | 107.95 mm / 4.25 in |
| Stroke | 96.52 mm / 3.80 in |
| Compression | 10.5:1 |
| Power | 485 hp / 362 kW @ 6200 rpm |
| Specific Output | 69.3 hp per liter |
| BHP/Weight | 366 bhp per tonne |
| Torque | 644 Nm / 475 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
| Top Speed | 328 km/h / 204 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | 4.0 seconds |
| 0 – 100 km/h | 4.2 seconds |
| Body / Frame | Aluminum Monocoque Chassis |
| Driven Wheels | RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive) |
| Wheel Type | Magnesium Alloy Racing Wheels |
| Front Tires | Goodyear Racing Slicks |
| Rear Tires | Goodyear Racing Slicks |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Disc Brakes |
| Rear Brakes | Ventilated Disc Brakes |
| Front Wheels | 15 x 8 in |
| Rear Wheels | 15 x 10 in |
| Front Suspension | Independent Double Wishbone, Coil Springs, Anti-Roll Bar |
| Rear Suspension | Independent Double Wishbone, Coil Springs, Anti-Roll Bar |
| Curb Weight | 1320 kg / 2910 lbs |
| Weight Distribution | 40 % Front / 60 % Rear |
| Wheelbase | 2413 mm / 95.0 in |
| Length | 4178 mm / 164.5 in |
| Width | 1778 mm / 70.0 in |
| Height | 1029 mm / 40.5 in |
| Transmission | 4-Speed Manual (Kar-Kraft T-44) |
| Fuel Economy (Race Conditions) | Varies |
| Fuel Capacity | 120 liters / 31.7 gallons |

Built to Defeat Ferrari at Le Mans The Ford GT40 Mk II was developed specifically to end Ferrari’s dominance at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, which Ferrari had won six times in a row from 1960 to 1965.
Powered by a 7.0L (427 CID) Big Block V8 Unlike the Mk I, which used a smaller 4.7L (289 CID) V8, the Mk II was equipped with a massive 7.0-liter Ford FE 427 V8, producing 485 horsepower and significantly increasing top speed.
Legendary 1-2-3 Finish at Le Mans (1966) The Ford GT40 Mk II achieved one of the most famous victories in motorsport history, securing a 1-2-3 finish at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans, defeating Ferrari in dominant fashion.
Developed with Help from Carroll Shelby After early failures in 1964-65, Ford handed over the GT40 program to Carroll Shelby, who, along with Ken Miles and Phil Remington, fine-tuned the Mk II into a winning machine.
Tested at Over 200 MPH During testing at Le Mans and Daytona, the GT40 Mk II broke the 200 mph (322 km/h) barrier, making it one of the fastest race cars of its time.
Heavy-Duty Automatic Transmission Cooling System The Mk II featured a special transmission cooling system, with additional fluid pumps to prevent the gearbox from overheating during endurance racing.
Ken Miles’ Controversial Le Mans Finish Ken Miles was on track to win Le Mans in 1966, but Ford instructed him to slow down for a staged photo finish, which mistakenly resulted in Bruce McLaren being declared the winner.
Limited Production Numbers Only 8 original GT40 Mk II race cars were built, making them some of the most valuable and historically significant race cars ever produced.
Inspired the Modern Ford GT The modern Ford GT (2005 and 2017 models) was heavily inspired by the GT40 Mk II, paying tribute to its Le Mans-winning heritage.
One of the Most Expensive Classic Race Cars Original GT40 Mk II models have sold for over $10 million at auctions, with their historical significance making them one of the most sought-after classic race cars in the world.

The GT40 Mk II is the Le Mans-winning legend—a 7.0L V8 (485hp) brute built to destroy Ferrari. Only 12 original Mk IIs exist, making it one of the world's most valuable cars.
1. Price Ranges (EUR, Mid-2024)
Original Mk II (Non-Replica, Non-Continuation)
Project Car (Incomplete, Non-Running): €8M – €12M(Missing original parts? Expect €3M+ restoration costs.)
Restored/Race-History (e.g., Ex-Le Mans): €15M – €25M(Provenance is everything—verify with FIA papers.)
Concours-Grade (Matching Numbers): €30M – €50M+(Never raced post-1967, 100% original, like chassis #1016.)
Special Notes
1966 Le Mans Winners (#1/#2/#5): Priceless (all in museums).
Gulf Livery Cars: +€5M premium (even non-race ones).
2. Key Factors Affecting Value
✅ Provenance is EVERYTHING
Le Mans Participation: +€10M+ (even for DNFs).
Original Kar Kraft Chassis Plate: +€5M (replicas lack this).
✅ Desirable Original Parts
Holley 4-Barrel Carburetors: +€1M (often swapped for Webers).
Gurney Bubble Roof: +€2M (if factory-installed).
Unrestored Patina: +€3M (if historically significant).
⚠️ Critical Watch-Outs
Replica Scams: Fake chassis numbers plague the market—3D-scan welds.
Missing Logbooks: No FIA/ACO papers? Value halved.
Post-1967 Mods: Non-original gearboxes hurt authenticity.
3. Where to Buy in the EU?
Official Channels
RM Sotheby’s Private Sales (for discreet ultra-high-net-worth deals).
Girardo & Co. (UK): Specializes in Le Mans legends.
Private Sales
GT40 Owners Club (Secretive Network).
Pebble Beach Auctions: Record-setting sales happen here.
Pro Tip: Swiss storage is preferred for tax benefits—but EU import fees apply if moved.
4. Market Trends
📈 Hyper-Appreciation
+20% annually since 2015.
1966 Le Mans cars now €50M+ (if ever sold).
⚠️ Trap Warning
"Lost Barn Find" Claims: 99% are replicas—demand FIA authentication.
Restoration Overkill: Over-polished chassis hurt originality premiums.
5. Must-Do Checks
🔧 Mechanical
Engine Stamp: Must match Ford 427 FE "Side-Oiler" records.
Gearbox Serial: Original ZF 5DS-25 units are €1M+ alone.
📄 Paperwork
FIA Historic Papers: Non-negotiable for race cars.
Shelby American Invoices: Prove period modifications.
Fun Fact:
The Mk II’s 7.0L engine was so loud, drivers wore football helmets for ear protection at Le Mans!
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