To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Abu Dhabi event, 30
November 2019.
Estimate:
$750,000 - $900,000
- Minimally used example currently displaying 415 km
- Numerous options including full-gloss carbon-fibre pack and
Akropovik exhaust
The legend of Ford's attempt to acquire Ferrari only to beat them
at their own game at the 24 Hours of Le Mans is one of motor
racing's greatest stories. Connected to some of racing's greatest
drivers and engineers, the original Ford GT40 of the late 1960s has
evolved into one of America's most valuable and revered sports
cars, never to be forgotten. In particular, the company's first win
at Le Mans in 1966, where GT40s ran to a 1-2-3 runaway finish, has
captured the popular imagination, even becoming the grist for the
new Hollywood film called Ford v. Ferrari, starring Matt Damon and
Christian Bale.
In 2015 Ford brass was inspired with the idea of a new GT, but this
would be much more than a heritage exercise. Designers and
executives alike thought the new speed machine should be capable of
winning races, and to that end, the resulting supercar was
engineered from the ground up with only a passing semblance to the
original. While retaining the wide, low profile and basic
silhouette of the GT40, the new Ford GT was built around a
carbon-fibre monocoque chassis mounted with aluminium subframes and
wrapped in a new exterior skin of carbon fibre.
It was recognized that in today's modern age of engineering, a
large and heavy V-8 would not be required to produce the necessary
horsepower for a race car. In fact, such an engine would have
created aerodynamic challenges from its mere size. So Ford chose to
rework its twin-turbocharged V-6 Ecoboost engine to the extreme,
fitting a dry-sump lubrication system to the all-aluminium
3.5-litre motor. The resulting mill was mated to a seven-speed
dual-clutch transaxle that developed 647 hp and 550 foot-pounds of
torque�enough power to hurl the 1,385 kg car to 60 mph in three
seconds flat, with a top speed of 216 mph.
As amazing as the repurposed Ecoboost engine was, the chassis and
bodywork were even more ingenious. Every step of development
prioritized maintaining low weight and aerodynamic efficiency, as a
gaggle of scoops and vents throughout the coachwork channeled air
to the engine and brakes while maximizing downforce. Anchored by
Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes with six-piston calipers and huge 394
mm rotors up front, the GT also employed hydraulic power steering,
making for a race car that by every account provides feedback to
the driver from the very first push of a pedal. Efficient
architecture was so prioritized that the sport seats were fixed
rather than adjustable, and the pedal box and steering wheel were
designed to adjust around the driver rather than vice versa.
Ford immediately began campaigning a group of competition-prepared
examples in partnership with Chip Ganassi Racing. Undoubtedly its
most exciting result was a class win at the 2016 24 Hours of Le
Mans, proving that fifty years after its historic victory over
Ferrari, Ford could still outperform the competition.
Sold only to clients that Ford deemed worthy, the GT was earmarked
for a production number of no more than 1,000 examples, ensuring a
rarity worthy of the mighty nameplate. Following a test drive, Top
Gear magazine proclaimed the new GT 'one of the best-handling cars
in the world right now', adding, 'it is a sensational car to
drive...beautifully balanced, sharp, stable, and rewarding'.
Delivered new to the consignor in the GCC in late December 2017,
this minimally driven GT was finished in Liquid Red paint with
black racing stripes and black trim. Optioned with the full-gloss
carbon-fibre pack, the car was fitted with carbon-fibre interior
trim and a black Alcantara steering wheel, as well as 20-inch
carbon-fibre wheels with titanium lug nuts. Also equipped with an
Akropovik titanium sports exhaust, it currently displays only 415
kilometres from new.
This is a sensational and pristine example of a modern Ford GT that
would make a stunning complement to any sporting collection.To view
this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please
visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/ad19.