Description
This is lot number 117 in the Bonhams Bonmont Auction on June 30th, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
• Built to US specification
• Iconic Gulf Oil livery
• 10, 820 miles recorded
• Full service history
• Omani registration document
Based on Eric Broadley's Lola GT, the original Ford GT40 was spawned by the Dearborn giant's ambition to beat Ferrari at Le Mans. The project had commenced in 1963 following Ford's failed attempt to buy into Ferrari, and was based at the company's Advanced Vehicles plant at Slough, England. After failures in 1964 and '65, that first sweet Le Mans victory would fall to the 7-litre MkII in 1966, with victory the following year going to a US-built MkIV 'J' car. (The GT40 MkIII was the British-built road-going version).
Following Ford's withdrawal from endurance racing at the end of 1967, John Wyer Automotive picked up the baton, entering modified GT40s (renamed 'Mirage') painted in the now evocative blue/ orange livery of sponsor Gulf Oil. Amazingly, and despite being considered effectively obsolete, chassis number '1075' secured back-to-back wins at Le Mans in 1968 and 1969, becoming a motor sports legend.
A decade later and the GT40's status as an all-time great classic sports car had been firmly established, leading to an increased demand for unmolested originals and the start of a replica-building industry. Perhaps the only surprise concerning the emergence of a reconstituted 'official' version is that it took Ford the best part of 40 years to get around to it.
The 'new generation' GT was developed by Ford's Special Vehicle Team Engineering department. The prototype was released in 2002 in anticipation of Ford's 100th anniversary celebrations, with production commencing in late 2004. In defeating Ferrari's more highly stressed V12s, Ford proved that the traditional American V8 possessed all that was necessary to compete at the cutting edge of international endurance racing. A far cry from the simple pushrod units of the 1960s, the Ford GT's supercharged 5. 4-litre V8 produced 550bhp and 500lb/ ft of torque, figures on a par with those of the 7. 0-litre engine that won at Le Mans in 1966 and '67. The six-speed all-synchromesh manual gearbox/ transaxle used ZF internals and was sourced from RBT Transmissions.
The interior featured leather-upholstered Recaro bucket seats with aluminium ventilation grommets embedded into the panels, while the instrument layout followed the original's, comprising analogue gauges and a large tachometer complemented by modern versions of the traditional toggle switches.
Back in 1966, the Ford GT40 became the first car to exceed 200mph along the Mulsanne straight at Le Mans. Tested for Motor Trend magazine by Indycar racing legend Bryan Herta, the Ford GT topped 200mph at Ford's Kingman test facility in Arizona, emphatically demonstrating that it was indeed worthy of that famous name.
Built to US specification and delivered new to the current owner in October 2006 by Al Tayer motors in Dubai, this limited Heritage model is finished in iconic Gulf Oils livery and offered with a Paint Protection Film to keep his livery intact. Showing 10, 820 miles today, the car comes with the original purchase invoice and customs documents; its leather pouch and stamped service book; an Omani registration document; and full service history testifying how well the car has been maintained. Very rare opportunity, this amazing Ford GT can be registered in Switzerland.
Please note that if this vehicle is to be imported into Switzerland, Swiss Customs charges (Car Tax, VAT and a Customs Administration Fee) will apply totalling roughly 13% of the Purchase Price (Hammer + Buyers Premium). Swiss Car Tax at 4% shall be calculated on the total Purchase Price. Swiss VAT (8. 1%) will then be applicable on the aggregated amount of the Hammer Price, Buyer's Premium and Swiss Car Tax. There will equally be a charge for the customs clearance procedure. Please note that customs rates to other countries shall vary. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams|Cars Department or our recommended shippers.
