Where was the original GT40 built?
The original Ford GT40 was built in the United Kingdom, where Lola Cars manufactured the chassis for the early Mk I versions as part of Ford's Le Mans program. Ford supplied the engines and other major components, and the cars were developed for competition in the mid-1960s.
Origins and Production in Britain
In the early 1960s, Ford sought a chassis partner capable of delivering a lightweight, mid‑engined racer that could take on Ferrari at Le Mans. Lola Cars, a British race-car constructor, provided the chassis for the original GT40 Mk I. This collaboration created a car that paired a British-built skeleton with American engineering support and power, a defining feature of the program's initial phase.
Before detailing the sourcing of the GT40’s key components, note that the program’s early success hinged on the British-built chassis combined with Ford’s American engines and technical input.
- Chassis constructed by Lola Cars in the United Kingdom (initial GT40 Mk I).
- Powertrain supplied by Ford in the United States (V8 engines).
These elements defined the early GT40s and underscored the cross‑Atlantic nature of Ford’s Le Mans effort in the 1960s.
Later iterations and US involvement
Subsequent GT40 evolutions — notably Mk II and Mk IV — involved greater production and assembly work in the United States, reflecting Ford’s expanded on‑site development for Le Mans competition. Nevertheless, the original GT40 remains rooted in its British‑built chassis heritage.
Summary
The original GT40’s construction began in Britain, with Lola Cars building the chassis and Ford supplying the engines, marking a landmark collaboration that defined Ford’s Le Mans program in the mid‑1960s.
What country was the GT40 developed in?
The Ford GT40 is a high-performance endurance racing car with the Mk I, Mk II, and Mk III model cars being based upon the British Lola Mk6, and were designed and built in England, while the GT40 Mk IV model was designed and built entirely within the United States.
Who built the original Ford GT40?
| Ford GT40 | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Ford Advanced Vehicles John Wyer Automotive Engineering Kar Kraft Holman-Moody Shelby American |
| Production | 1964–1969 105 produced |
| Assembly | United Kingdom: Slough (Mk I, Mk II, and Mk III) United States: Los Angeles (Mk I & Mk II Modifications) and Wixom, Michigan (Wixom Assembly Plant: Mk IV) |
Where is the original Ford GT40?
The historic GT40 is on display at The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan. While this was the last race for the GT40 Mk IV, there was still mileage left in the Mk II. Specifically, an Mk II-B. The Mk IIs built by Shelby were unofficially Mk II-As.
How much is an original GT40 worth?
An original Ford GT40 is worth several million dollars, with prices varying based on factors like its specific model year, condition, and racing history. While a standard model can sell for around $5 to $7 million, a rare prototype or a car with significant racing provenance (like a Le Mans winner) can exceed $10 million, with one notable 1966 model selling for $7 million and a 1968 model fetching $11 million.
- Average and recent sales: A 1966 Ford GT40 sold for $7.04 million in early 2025. Another 1966 model sold for $6.93 million in January 2024.
- Factors influencing price: A car's value is heavily influenced by its history, originality, condition, and model year.
- Price for rare models: Cars with extensive racing history, especially with Le Mans victories, are the most valuable. A 1968 model sold for $11 million, and the first Ford to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966 was reportedly sold privately for $22 million in 2014.
- Price range: For a standard, road-going GT40 in good condition, prices are typically in the $5 million to $7 million range. For a more valuable, race-spec version, expect to pay $10 million or more.
