FYI: Mecum Auctions gears up for an exciting event in Kissimmee, Florida, where a meticulously restored 1966 Ford GT40 MkI road car could fetch over $7 million.
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### Mecum Auctions: A January to Remember
For car enthusiasts and collectors, Mecum Auctions in Kissimmee, Florida, is the place to be from January 2-14. A highlight of this prestigious event is a 1966 Ford GT40 MkI road car. Known for blazing the trail before the iconic MkII, the MkI is equipped with a Ford 289 cubic inch V8 engine, offering more elegant bodywork compared to its successor, which boasted a 427 cubic inch V8.
### A Storied History and Exclusive Features
Initially crafted to be a fraction less aggressive than its racing counterparts, the MkI had 49 modifications for a more road-friendly experience. These changes included a softer suspension, a dual-plate clutch for the ZF five-speed manual transmission, more flexible brakes, and an interior adorned with more leather and cloth than seen in the race models.
### Exclusive Ownership and Custom Specifications
Ordered new by Italian automobile aficionado Antonio Aleche, the GT40 MkI featured a Metallic Dark Blue exterior paired with a black interior, delivered by Ford in 1966. Aleche customized his car with a race exhaust, though he also opted for a conventional road exhaust. Additional specifications included a high-pressure oil pump, a spare wire wheel, and Goodyear tires stowed in the front trunk.
### Impeccable Maintenance and Restoration
This GT40 has changed hands four times, including ownership by a former Ferrari works driver who raced a MkI GT40 at the 1965 24 Hours of Le Mans. Remarkably, despite its 58-year history, the car has accumulated just 13,442 miles and has never set tire on a race track.
The car’s current owner of nearly 30 years, residing in Germany, commissioned a full restoration by RUF in 1996. Known primarily for their Porsche modifications, RUF confirmed they do occasionally restore non-Porsche vehicles for special customers, making this GT40 a unique project for them. The result is a barely used, concours-quality vehicle, likely one of only 29 remaining.
### A Priceless Auction Lot
Mecum’s auction features an array of valuable classics in its “Apex Collection,” including notable models such as a 1966 Shelby GT350 Hartz Edition, a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS Z10, a 1987 Porsche 959, and a 1993 Jaguar XJ200. While Mecum has not provided a pre-sale estimate, Hagerty values this pristine GT40 coupe at over $7 million. Highlighting its exclusivity, the Apex Collection doesn’t even include the rare 1965 Shelby 427 Competition Cobra, of which only 23 were built by Shelby.
### Conclusion
Mecum Auctions’ event in Kissimmee promises to be a spectacular gathering for collectors and car enthusiasts. Among its star attractions is a meticulously maintained and restored 1966 Ford GT40 MkI road car, a model woven into the rich tapestry of automotive history. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness or even bid on such a legendary vehicle.
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Lawrence Jacobs, Editor of Automotive.fyi
