A Ford was recently bought in the US for $USD7,865,000. It was, however, rather special, being a 1969 GT40 Lightweight. It is said to be one of 10 factory-built competition cars.
This one has an original body, chassis, engine and transaxle. Sold at the recent Mecum auction in Monterey, it’s described as ‘the most sophisticated and winningest Mark 1 specification’ of the GT40. Along with its body and chassis being intact, it still has its original 289 cubic inch Gurney Weslake V8, rebuilt to its original 440hp specification.
Its ZF five-speed transaxle has been restored to its 1969 factory specification. It even has authentic date-coded Firestone race tyres.
Also making big money was a 1969 Dodge Hemi Daytona, selling for $US3,360,000. Said to be one of just 22 Hemi Daytona four-speed models from 1969, it was thought to be the most highly optioned example in existence.
It was one of 70 Hemi Daytonas from that year and has had an extensive restoration. It still has its original 426 cubic inch Hemi with its quartet of Carter AFB four-barrel carburettors.
The green rocket fetched more than an immaculate 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 which went for $3,080,000. This car has been in California since 1969 with only two owners since then, and had a comprehensive restoration in the past five years.
Another Ferrari netted the fourth highest bid of the auction, someone paying $US2,860,000 for a Ferrari Enzo.
Rounding out the top five was another Hemi, this one a 1970 Plymouth Cuda Convertible that went for an unbelievable $2,576,000. Making this one a bit special, it was one of 14 Hemi Cuda Convertibles from that year, a matching numbers car which has had a full rotisserie restoration.