1968 Ford GT40 Sells for $11m at Monterey Auction
A 1968 Ford GT40 race car achieved a record-breaking $11 million sale at RM Auctions in Monterey, reflecting the enduring appeal of American endurance racers.
A 1968 Ford GT40 race car has sold for $11 million at the RM Auctions event in Monterey, California, setting a new record for an American car at auction. The hammer price reflects the GT40’s status as one of the most coveted endurance racers of its era.
The car drew intense bidding, with RM Auctions declining to publish a pre-sale estimate. The auction room responded with applause as the final bid reached $11 million, underlining the car’s desirability among collectors. The sale took place in August 2012, during Monterey’s annual classic car week, which regularly attracts rare and historically important vehicles.
Why the GT40 commands such value
Ford’s GT40 programme was developed in the 1960s specifically to challenge Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The GT40 became the first American car to win the French endurance classic, taking overall victory in 1966 and repeating the feat for the next three years. The 1968 model year cars are especially prized, as they represent the later evolution of the GT40 and are eligible for historic racing events worldwide.
This particular GT40’s provenance and racing history contributed to its value. While the chassis number and detailed competition record were not disclosed in the auction summary, GT40s from this period are known for their appearances at Le Mans and other major endurance races. Surviving examples with original components and documented race entries are especially sought after by collectors and historic racers alike.
Other notable sales at Monterey
The GT40 was not the only headline-grabbing sale at the 2012 Monterey auctions. Other rare cars changing hands included a 1962 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder for $8.58 million, a 1955 Ferrari 410 S at $8.25 million, and a 1956 Ferrari 250 GT LWB Berlinetta “Tour de France” for $6.71 million. These figures confirm Monterey’s position as a focal point for the top end of the classic car market.
- 1968 Ford GT40, $11 million
- 1962 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder, $8.58 million
- 1955 Ferrari 410 S, $8.25 million
- 1956 Ferrari 250 GT LWB Berlinetta “Tour de France”, $6.71 million
- 1938 Horch 853A Special Roadster, $5.17 million
- 1955 Aston Martin DB3S, $3.69 million
What this means for collectors and the market
The $11 million sale of the 1968 Ford GT40 demonstrates the sustained appetite for American racing cars with international pedigree. For collectors, such sales reinforce the investment potential of competition cars with proven history. For sellers and auction houses, it sets a new benchmark for American-built classics, particularly those with Le Mans connections. The GT40’s result may influence future valuations for similar cars, especially those with original specification and race provenance.
While the GT40’s price is exceptional, it reflects a broader trend at top-tier auctions, where rare competition cars with documented history continue to attract strong interest and high bids from collectors worldwide.
