1965 Ford GT40 Roadster Prototype

1965 Ford GT40 Additional Info:

1965 FORD GT40 ROADSTER PROTOTYPE

Offered here is an exceptionally rare Ford GT40 Roadster. This is a unique opportunity to own a significant piece of Ford racing history. This car would be a collector’s crown jewel that can also be enjoyed as a vintage racer.

Please contact me with any questions or to arrange an in-person viewing - Jonas – 310-600-1182

Mechanical & Component Highlights

• All original, period-correct GT Roadster components

• All components are NOS or have been refurbished

• 289 Ford V-8 (1965 date code); short block believed to have been supplied by Carroll Shelby

• The engine has only dyno time since completion - Dyno'd at 400HP

• ZF 5-speed manual transaxle, from the original parts set

• Bundle of Snakes exhaust

• Four Weber 48 IDA carburetors

• Magnesium knock-off wheels, believed to have been supplied by Holman-Moody / Lee Holman

• Tub appears to follow FAV Mk I Roadster wheelbase and bulkhead geometry

• Period-correct welds using 1.0-inch square and 1.25-inch round tubing, consistent with 1964–65 FAV practice

• Many spares included

The GT Roadster Program

The GT Roadster prototypes were developed alongside the Ford GT40 program during a highly collaborative era in American motorsport. The effort involved companies and individuals such as Ford Motor Company, Ford Advanced Vehicles (FAV), Kar Kraft, Holman-Moody, Shelby American, Eric Broadley, Abbey Panels, and others. The GT Roadster was an engineering Testbed and designed as part of the campaign to beat Ferrari. The new Roadster was used as a mobile lab to study the aerodynamic and cooling effects of a convertible platform.

Dean Jefferies and GT Roadster 109

During the early to mid-1960s, Dean Jefferies worked closely with Ford Motor Company and maintained relationships within Ford Special Projects. He was near the center of the GT40 program at a time when prototypes, spares, and unused cars were treated as working assets rather than collectibles. Jefferies later recounted acquiring GT Roadster chassis GT/109, along with a substantial stockpile of spare parts—a story now recognized as one of the best-known chapters in GT40 history.

After the 1965 24 Hours of Le Mans, GT/109 was returned to Shelby American, repaired, and later sent to Kar Kraft for J-Car development. It ultimately returned to Ford in Michigan, where it sat alongside other retired prototypes and experimental vehicles.

As documented by Tom Cotter, Jefferies encountered the roadster while assisting A. J. Foyt at Ford’s wind tunnel near Detroit. Missing its engine and transmission, the car—along with a wide assortment of spare components—was made available to Jefferies by Jacques Passino.

GT/109 was restored and completed in 2003 and later appeared at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion during Ford’s centennial celebration. Often described by Jefferies as his “favorite toy,” GT/109 remained in his ownership until his passing in 2013.

Provenance

This Roadster was built using original, period-correct GT Roadster parts, many of which trace back to the parts collection assembled when GT/109 was discovered at Ford by Dean Jefferies. Dean and friends—including Carroll Shelby, Lee Holman, A. J. Foyt, Red Hardin, and others—continued to collect GT Roadster and GT40 components over the years in preparation for the restoration.

As many of the individuals directly involved with this Roadster’s early history are no longer with us, what is known today comes from long-standing accounts, research, and conversations with those familiar with this car, GT/109, and with GT40 experts and historians.

Over the years, several stories have been shared regarding this car’s early identity. One account suggests that two incomplete GT Roadsters accompanied the original parts collected from Ford at the time GT/109 was recovered, and that this Roadster may have been associated with a specific chassis, including references to chassis 111. Another story suggests the car may have been used as a tire-test vehicle during the period. These accounts are presented here as part of the car’s long-standing narrative, without assertion or conclusion.

Although no factory documentation has surfaced to assign a chassis number, leading GT40 experts do not dispute the authenticity, specification, or period-correct construction of this Roadster.

Serious inquiries are invited, and International buyers are welcome.

We reserve the right to end an auction early. Deposit: We require a non-refundable $2000 deposit within 48 hours of winning the auction. Please call to make arrangements for payment. We accept the following forms of payment: Cash in person or certified funds. All sales transactions must be completed within 7 calendar days of auction close.

The car is being sold AS and with a Bill of Sale. No expressed or implied warranties, including the availability or condition of the equipment listed is made.