A Rare 1967 Ford GT40 Is Up For Grabs (And It Might Be A Bargain)
The 1967 Ford GT40, particularly the J cars, embodies a rich tapestry of automotive history, innovation, and a great story. Born from Ford's ambitious quest to dominate international motorsport, this vehicle's journey from the assembly lines of Kar Kraft in Detroit to the prestigious auction blocks of today is nothing short of legendary.
This particular car is currently listed on Bring-A-Trailer. Due to its odd history, there is a decent chance that this real Ford GT40 could be a relative bargain for anyone in the market for the most important American race car ever made.
1966 Ford GT40 Mark II parked
10 Fun Facts About The Ford GT40 That You Didn't Know
The Ford GT40 is a car with an amazing story behind it and here are some little known facts about the GT40 that might surprise you.
A Very Brief History of the Ford GT40 G7 Spyder
1967 Ford GT40 profile shot of it driving
In the mid-1960s, Ford sought to dethrone European stalwarts at events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the boys at Ferrari, in particular. This ambition led to the creation of the GT40 series. Chassis J-10 was one of 12 J-car chassis constructed by Kar Kraft, Ford's experimental division in Detroit. These J-cars featured advanced aluminum honeycomb chassis designs, aiming for reduced weight, enhanced aerodynamics, and other clever ways to make a Ford beat Ferraris.
In 1989, a Los Angeles real estate developer acquired the damaged chassis, envisioning a transformation to a Mark IV-style configuration.
The 1968 FIA prototype rule changes rendered the Mark IV ineligible for international racing. In response, Ford adapted this GT40 and its sibling chassis for Group 7 competition, introducing spyder bodywork suitable for the burgeoning Can-Am series. Rebranded as the G7A, J-10 was sold in early 1969 to Charles and Kerry Agapiou. Despite its innovative design and formidable power, it faced challenges in the Can-Am circuit, securing a lone second-place finish at the Fuji 200 miles amidst ten starts.
The GT40 Crashed On The Track
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A significant crash at the close of the 1970 season led to J-10's shipment to England for repairs. However, the car remained dormant for years. In 1989, a Los Angeles real estate developer acquired the damaged chassis, envisioning a transformation to a Mark IV-style configuration. This project remained unfinished until 1996, when the current owners embarked on a meticulous four-year restoration, wrapping up in 2017. The reborn J-10 made a triumphant appearance at the 2018 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, resplendent in a red livery reminiscent of the 1967 Le Mans-winning GT40.
The Engineering Excellence Of J-10
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The Ford GT40 J-10 houses a 427ci Ford FE V8 engine, equipped with twin Holley four-barrel carburetors, channeling immense power through a Kar Kraft T-44 four-speed manual transaxle. The race car’s engineering prowess is further highlighted by features such as four-wheel ventilated disc brakes, independent suspension with coil-over shock absorbers, and staggered-width 15” turbine-style center-lock magnesium alloy wheels. The iconic “bundle of snakes” exhaust headers and dual electric cooling fans underscore its racing pedigree.
Cockpit and Controls
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The right-hand-drive cockpit is a blend of functionality and minimalism, otherwise known as race-car chic. A driver's seat upholstered in black cloth with vinyl bolsters sits adjacent to an untrimmed dimpled passenger seat. Essential instrumentation, including a Jones Motrola tachometer and gauges for monitoring vital engine parameters.
Racing Legacy and Provenance
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Throughout its storied career, J-10 attracted renowned drivers such as Peter Revson, Jack Brabham, George Follmer, David Hobbs, Vic Elford, Lee Roy Yarbrough, and John Cannon—the latter achieving the car's sole finish. The vehicle's rich history is meticulously documented, with photographs and records chronicling its evolution from a Can-Am competitor to a cherished collector's piece.
A Rare Opportunity
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The availability of chassis J-10 on platforms like Bring-A-Trailer offers enthusiasts a rare chance to own a genuine piece of motorsport history. Its transformation from a J-car to a G7A Spyder and finally to a Mark IV coupe stands as a testament to the adaptability and enduring appeal of the Ford GT40 lineage. As it awaits its next caretaker, J-10 not only represents past glories but also the timeless allure of racing excellence. Hell of a car here.
Source: Bring A Trailer
