How many Ford GT40 exist?
There are about 105 Ford GT40s that were built by Ford and its racing partners in the 1960s. Today, roughly 30 to 40 original GT40s are known to survive worldwide, with additional cars existing as continuations or replicas. The exact total depends on whether you count factory-built cars, surviving chassis, or non-original recreations.
The question is nuanced because “exist” can refer to several different categories: the original factory-built GT40s, surviving race or road-spec GT40s, and the many continuation or replica models that have been produced in later decades. This article breaks down the main definitions and current estimates to provide a clear picture.
Counting the GT40s: categories and current estimates
Below is a concise breakdown of how experts and registries typically categorize the GT40 in order to estimate the total numbers.
- The original factory-built GT40 program produced about 105 chassis across Mk I, Mk II, Mk III, and Mk IV variants in the 1960s.
- Of those, a portion have survived into the present day as authentic, original Ford-built cars, with a commonly cited range of roughly 30 to 40 known to exist in complete, restorable, or display-ready condition.
- Numerous continuation and replica GT40s have been built by various manufacturers and shops over the years; these are not original Ford-built vehicles but are commonly used by collectors and enthusiasts.
These categories show why the raw number can vary: counting only original Ford-built cars yields one figure, while including continuations and replicas produces a much larger total. The landscape of GT40s is thus a blend of historic originals and ongoing reproductions that keep the model alive in museums, private collections, and public displays.
Survivors, continuations, and the collector ecosystem
Today’s GT40 ecosystem includes a spectrum of cars: authentic 1960s GT40s that pass as race or road cars, preserved and sometimes restored to their original specifications; continuation models that replicate the look and feel of the originals with modern build processes; and fully licensed or unlicensed replicas that imitate the chassis and design. The distribution of these cars spans museums, private collections, car clubs, and showroom floors, reflecting the GT40’s enduring appeal as a collectors’ and racing legend.
Public displays and private ownership
Public displays often feature GT40s in museum collections or at automotive shows, while many others remain in private hands, occasionally appearing at auctions or special events. The mixture of authentic originals and high-quality continuations contributes to ongoing interest and debate about the precise counting of “how many exist.”
Why the numbers change over time
Counts can shift due to restorations, new identifications of surviving cars, reclassifications (for example, a car upgraded or altered over time), and the emergence of previously undocumented chassis. Additionally, new replicas or continuations enter circulation, further expanding the practical sense of how many GT40s are “out there.”
Summary
In short, the Ford GT40 program produced about 105 cars in the 1960s. Today, roughly 30 to 40 original GT40s are known to exist, with additional dozens of continuation or replica models that are commonly counted in broader, non-original tallies. The exact number depends on whether you’re counting only Ford-built originals, surviving chassis, or all cars that bear the GT40 design. The GT40’s legacy endures through both its rare, authentic machines and the ongoing production of faithful continuations that keep the legend on the road and in the spotlight.
Who owns the Ford GT40 that won Le Mans?
The Ford GT40 Mark II that won the 1966 Le Mans 24 Hours endurance race has been sold to enthusiast Rob Kauffman of RK Motors Charlotte. Developed by Carroll Shelby and driven to victory at Le Mans by Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon, the #2 GT40, chassis P/1046, will be restored to its original configuration.
How much is a real GT40 worth?
A real GT40 is worth millions of dollars, with the price varying significantly based on its model, condition, and racing history. Authentic models can range from around $\$5 million to over $10$ 10$10 million, with competition race cars, especially those with documented Le Mans history, commanding the highest prices, as one 1966 Mk II sold for $13.2$ 13.2$13.2 million. The average sale price is roughly $6.9$ 6.9$6.9 million, according to Classic.com.
Factors that influence price
- Model and rarity: Certain models, like the Mk II or lightweight versions, are rarer and more valuable than others.
- Racing history: Cars with significant and documented competition history, particularly at events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans, command much higher prices.
- Condition and originality: The car's overall condition, originality of components, and documentation are critical factors.
- Provenance: A car's documented ownership history and its role in the development of other vehicles can add significant value.
- Specific features: Features such as special lights for night racing or modifications for specific races can influence the final price.
Examples of recent sales
- 1966 Ford GT40 Mk II: Sold for $13.2$ 13.2$13.2 million, partly due to its strong racing history at Sebring and Le Mans.
- 1966 Ford GT40 Mk I Road Car: Sold for $6.93$ 6.93$6.93 million.
- 1969 Ford GT40 Lightweight: Sold for $7.865$ 7.865$7.865 million.
How many Ford GT40s are left?
It is difficult to determine the exact number of original Ford GT40s left, but around 105 were built, and many still exist today in various states of condition, with numerous examples in private collections, museums, and at historic races. Some sources suggest that while over 100 are still around, only a handful of the original prototypes survive in public hands.
- Prototypes: Of the five initial prototypes, only three are known to still exist. Two were scrapped, and one is in a museum.
- Production cars: Around 105 original GT40s were produced, including racing models and a few road-going versions.
- Preservation: Many of these cars are in private collections, museums, and historic racing events, making a precise count of every remaining GT40 difficult.
- Examples: Many examples have been preserved or restored over the years, and many have been sold at auctions for millions of dollars.
How rare are GT40s?
The Ford GT40 is an exceptionally rare car, with a total production of only 105 vehicles across all versions. Among the most scarce are specific models like the road-legal MkI, where only around 30 were ever built, and unique prototypes like the open-top roadster, with only two surviving examples. The exact number and rarity depend on the specific model, with some, like certain race cars with significant provenance, being more valuable and harder to find than others.
Factors that contribute to its rarity
- Limited production numbers: Ford produced only 105 GT40s in total, a small number for such a historic race car.
- Model-specific scarcity: Specific models within the GT40 family are even rarer.
- Road-legal versions: Only about 30 road-legal versions of the MkI were ever built.
- Prototypes: Certain prototypes are among the most unique and rare, with only two of the open-top roadster versions surviving.
- Survival rate: Many GT40s were race cars that were crashed, scrapped, or destroyed after their competitive life ended.
- Unique competition history: Cars with significant racing success are extremely rare and valuable, with some being evaluated as being worth millions of dollars more than others.
