Ford has been a pillar of American automotive history, blending innovation with performance over the years. From early 20th-century streets to the prestigious Le Mans circuit, Ford cars are known for their durability and speed. In the collector’s market, certain Ford models stand out for their historical significance and remarkable auction values. This article highlights the 20 Most Expensive Ford Cars Ever Sold, showcasing vehicles that are not only performance leaders but also coveted investments, fetching prices that underscore their iconic status and Ford’s influential legacy.
1968 Ford GT40 Gulf/Mirage Lightweight Racing Car
This car, which sold for $11 million, was originally built to compete in endurance races like Le Mans, where it performed admirably. Its design features included advanced aerodynamics for the time, a robust V8 engine, and lightweight construction using materials like aluminum and fiberglass. The car’s provenance and its role in the “Le Mans” movie significantly enhance its value.
1967 Ford GT40 Mk IV
Achieving $3.5 million at auction, this Mk IV model is celebrated for its 100% American engineering and design, distinguishing it from its predecessors built in the UK. Its victory at Le Mans was a defining moment in motorsport, cementing Ford’s dominance in the racing world during that era. The car features a 7.0-liter engine and a distinctive aerodynamic shape optimized for high speeds.
2006 Ford GT Heritage Edition
This limited edition, fetching $2.3 million, was produced in a small batch to commemorate the original GT40’s racing victories. Its standout features include the iconic Gulf Oil livery, a supercharged 5.4-liter V8 engine, and modern enhancements like carbon fiber body parts and upgraded aerodynamics.
2005 Ford GT
This model, sold for $1.8 million, is a tribute to the legendary GT40 but with modern engineering. It features a mid-mounted engine, rear-wheel drive, and extensive use of aluminum and carbon fiber to keep it lightweight yet strong. Its performance is complemented by a design that closely mirrors the classic GT40, making it highly desirable to collectors.
2019 Ford GT Carbon Series
Sold for $1.7 million, this car stands out with its aggressive use of carbon fiber, reducing weight to enhance track performance while retaining road legality. It features a twin-turbocharged V6 engine, which provides an impressive power-to-weight ratio.
1965 Ford GT Competition Prototype Roadster
This prototype, which fetched $1.65 million, was an experimental platform to explore potential improvements in the GT40 development program. Its open-top design was unique among GT40 models, intended to test aerodynamics and cooling efficiency.
1966 Ford GT40 Mk II
This historic vehicle, sold for $1.2 million, was integral to Ford’s victory at Le Mans, featuring a powerful 7.0-liter V8 engine and significant design modifications from earlier models for improved reliability and performance in endurance racing.
1955 Ford Thunderbird “Serial One”
The first Thunderbird produced, sold for $1.1 million, was Ford’s answer to the Chevrolet Corvette. It featured a two-seat configuration, a removable hardtop, and a V8 engine, marking it as a luxury sports car aimed at a sophisticated market.
1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 “John Wick”
This rare Mustang, which garnered $1 million, was designed to be a racing powerhouse with a semi-hemispherical engine head design, leading to substantial power outputs. It has become iconic partly due to its association with contemporary cinema.
1988 Ford Mustang ASC McLaren Convertible
A collaboration between Ford and McLaren, this rare convertible fetched $950,000. It included extensive modifications like a lowered suspension, special wheels, and a custom interior, along with a lighter body that improved handling and performance.
1965 Shelby Mustang GT350R
This racing variant, sold for $935,000, was Shelby American’s answer to the demand for a track-ready Mustang. It featured a more powerful engine, reduced weight, improved suspension, and distinctive racing stripes.
1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Cobra Jet 429
This powerful Mustang variant, which sold for $900,000, was equipped with one of Ford’s most powerful engines ever, featuring a functional “shaker” hood scoop and distinctive body enhancements for improved aerodynamics.
1962 Ford Thunderbird Sports Roadster
Sold for $885,000, this model was noted for its Kelsey-Hayes wire wheels and a sleek tonneau cover that converted it into a two-seater. Its design emphasized luxury and performance, with a powerful V8 and automatic transmission.
1936 Ford V8 Deluxe Phaeton
This pre-war classic, which fetched $780,000, represented luxury in the midst of the Great Depression. It featured a spacious open-top design, comfortable seating for five, and was powered by Ford’s reliable flathead V8 engine.
1956 Ford F100 Big Window
This distinctive truck, sold for $770,000, is coveted for its larger rear window, stylish design, and was often seen as a personal vehicle rather than just a work truck. Its popularity is due to both its utility and significant curb appeal.
1932 Ford V8 Model 18
This early V8 model, fetching $740,000, helped popularize the V8 engine among average Americans. Its affordability and robust performance made it a favorite among both ordinary buyers and bootleggers during Prohibition, which adds to its historical allure.
1940 Ford Deluxe Coupe
This model, which brought in $680,000, combined stylish design with practical features like sealed-beam headlamps and a column-mounted gearshift. It represents a blend of 1930s design elegance with advancements that would become standard in the post-war era.
1967 Shelby Mustang GT500
This iconic muscle car, selling for $650,000, features a Cobra Le Mans engine, capable of producing substantial horsepower. Its aggressive styling and performance make it a standout in the muscle car era.
1957 Ford Thunderbird E-Code Convertible
This model, which sold for $640,000, featured a dual-quad carburetor setup that boosted its V8 engine, enhancing both performance and desirability. Its sleek styling and luxurious features made it a status symbol in the late 1950s.
1935 Ford V8 Deluxe Three-Window Coupe
Fetching $625,000, this coupe is known for its stylish design, with a sloping rear that gives it a sportier look. It features the reliable flathead V8 engine, which was a key selling point for Ford during the 1930s.
This article originally appeared on Rarest.org
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