A Rare Original Ford GT40 Press Car Is Now on the Market

Get Ready to Own a Piece of Racing History: A Rare Original Ford GT40 Press Car Is Now on the Market

Ford GT40 Press Car

Dreaming of getting your hands on a genuine Ford GT40? Well, opportunities like this don't roll around every day. Ford, in its illustrious history, only crafted a little over 100 of these iconic sports racers, spread across four incredible iterations, most of which were destined for the racetrack. But the car we're about to introduce you to is a real gem - a Ford GT40 that's more than just a collector's dream. It's an authentic piece of automotive journalism history, and it's up for sale through PistonHeads.

Meet Chassis P/1069, a magnificent specimen of the GT40 lineage. Unlike the majority of its siblings, this particular car was born to serve a different purpose - as a press car in Ford's U.K. fleet. It was one of the rare Mk I GT40s specifically ordered by Ford in the United States in a "road trim" specification. When it first hit the streets, it dazzled onlookers with its opalescent Silver Blue paint, sporting a gutsy 289-cubic-inch V-8 engine, classic wire wheels, and practical map pockets, just like any other roadworthy GT40.

Ford GT40 Press Car

Now, here's where it gets even more intriguing. Ford didn't just keep this beauty locked away in a showroom. They decided to lend it to a Swiss company with ties to Scuderia Filipinetti, who showcased the car at the illustrious 1967 Geneva Auto Show. But that wasn't enough for this superstar on wheels; it underwent a stunning transformation, swapping its original color for a vibrant shade of green before taking center stage at the show. This iconic GT40 caught the attention of British automotive enthusiasts and found its way into several magazine spreads.

However, the GT40's journey was far from over. In 1971, it found a new owner, embarking on the first leg of its private adventure. Then, in 2007, it was on the move again, changing hands once more. Since then, P/1069 has enjoyed a fairly public life, making appearances at various historic races and events, and if you were lucky enough, you might have even caught a glimpse of it at this year's Goodwood festivities.

Now, the part that keeps us all on the edge of our seats – the price tag. While there's no set asking price on this incredible listing, PistonHeads suggests that potential buyers should be ready with pockets deep enough to reach almost eight figures. But here's the thing, when it comes to GT40s, every bit of their history comes with a dedicated fan base, and with this press car's unique story, it's sure to command some serious attention.

Ford GT40 Press Car

For those of us who can only dream of owning such a masterpiece, there's always the option of turning to one of the many kit car companies, offering a more budget-friendly alternative. But for those who crave the genuine article, the chance to own a slice of automotive history with this Ford GT40 press car is a golden opportunity. So, rev up your enthusiasm, and who knows, you might just be the lucky one to write the next chapter in this extraordinary car's story.