As the excitement builds leading up to Mecum’s 2025 edition of their annual auction in Indianapolis, car enthusiasts and collectors alike are presented with an extraordinary opportunity: the chance to own a piece of automotive history with the sale of a 1965 Ford GT40 Roadster prototype. From May 9 to May 17, this auction will showcase not just any car, but one that played a pivotal role in the legacy of racing and engineering excellence.
Marking its significance is its unique place in the lineage of the Ford GT40, which stands as an icon of both automotive design and racing triumph. This particular prototype, known as chassis number GT/109, is noteworthy for several reasons: it is one of only 12 prototypes built between 1964 and 1965, and remarkably, one of just two surviving roadster variants. It’s also the only roadster to have raced at the famed 24 Hours of Le Mans, where it unfortunately encountered gearbox failures and had to retire after just 11 laps—with talented drivers Maurice Trintignant and Guy Ligier at the helm.
Following its brief stint at Le Mans, GT/109 was sent to Shelby American for what was meant to be a rejuvenation, but original plans took a different turn. Instead of being returned to its racing roots, it morphed into a crucial development vehicle for various cutting-edge technologies, including Kar Kraft’s automatic transmission and advanced engine systems. Over the years, it became a canvas for innovation, a status further solidified when California car customization expert Dean Jeffries acquired the vehicle in 1968. In 2013, Dana Mecum, founder of Mecum Auctions, obtained the car from Jeffries’ son and undertook an extensive restoration to bring it back to its cherished Le Mans configuration.
What makes GT/109 truly special is not just its storied past but its compelling future. With its HiPo 289 V-8 engine meticulously rebuilt, it features an experimental intake manifold from Ford/Shelby, along with the iconic “Bundle of Snakes” exhaust system designed by Shelby himself. The mechanical heart of the car, now paired with a freshly rebuilt 5-speed manual transmission, promises to deliver an exhilarating driving experience that connects its storied legacy to the thrill of the open road.
It’s worth noting that this will mark the third time GT/109 graces the auction stage at Mecum, having been previously listed in 2018 and 2020 but unmet with bids that reflected its true value. The 1965 roadster prototypes are incredibly rare, as we’ve seen the market react strongly to the sale of the other roadster, GT/108, which fetched an impressive $7.65 million in 2019—a clear testament to the GT40’s timeless appeal and the passion surrounding vintage racing cars.
For collectors and enthusiasts, the chance to acquire GT/109 is not just about adding another vehicle to a collection, but about stepping into the shoes of history. It’s about the thrill of owning a rare artifact that encapsulates the essence of racing culture, the relentless pursuit of innovation, and the stories of those who raced at some of the most prestigious motorsport events around the globe. In a world where history moves fast and cherished artifacts can slip away, the upcoming Mecum auction is where you’ll want to be if you’re looking to connect with a piece of automotive heritage that truly embodies passion, history, and legacy.
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