Racing Royalty: The Only Le Mans GT Roadster This 1965 Ford GT/109 Competition Prototype Roadster, set to cross the block at Indy 2025 on Saturday, May 17th, is a piece of unparalleled automotive history. Serial number GT40109, this is the sole Ford GT Roadster to have competed in the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. One of only five GT Roadsters ever built, and one of only two surviving examples, this vehicle represents a pivotal moment in Ford’s racing legacy. Prepared for Le Mans by Shelby American and driven by French racing legends Maurice Trintignant and Guy Ligier, GT/109 is a direct precursor to Ford’s historic four consecutive Le Mans victories from 1966 to 1969. The 289 CI V-8 engine, rebuilt and dyno-tested, delivers the power and performance that made this Roadster a racing icon.
Design Details: A Prototype’s Evolution and Restoration Completed by Ford Advanced Vehicles in England, GT/109 arrived at Shelby American for Le Mans preparation. Modifications included Halibrand magnesium wheels, front corner air dams, and a Cobra-spec 289 CI engine with a ZF 5-speed gearbox. Unique features like side-mounted engine oil radiators, rear-body exit vents, and a removable rollover section made it race-ready. Finished in Ford of France’s white livery with a dark blue center stripe, GT/109 weighed just 2,350 pounds. After Le Mans, it served as a development vehicle for the J-Car project at Kar Kraft. Acquired by Dean Jeffries in 1968, it underwent a concours-quality restoration by Harley Cluxton III, returning it to its original Le Mans configuration. Period-correct components like the rebuilt ZF transaxle, SEV Marchal headlights, and Goodyear Blue Streak tires highlight the meticulous restoration.
Interior Comfort: Race-Focused Simplicity The interior of the GT/109 reflects its racing purpose, with a blue interior color scheme. The cockpit is designed for functionality, with essential gauges and controls within easy reach. The focus is on performance, not luxury, as befits a prototype race car. The restoration ensured that all interior elements are period-correct, maintaining the car’s authenticity. While not designed for comfort in the traditional sense, the interior provides a direct connection to the car’s racing heritage.
Performance and Power: 289 CI V-8 and Racing Pedigree The heart of GT/109 is its rebuilt HiPo 289 CI V-8 racing engine. Featuring a Ford/Shelby experimental intake manifold and four Weber carburetors, the engine delivers impressive power and performance. The Shelby-supplied “Bundle of Snakes” exhaust system enhances the engine’s sound and performance. The rebuilt 1965 ZF 5DS-25/0 transaxle ensures precise gear changes. Significant Shelby modifications, including the side-mounted engine oil radiators and added rear body exit vents, optimize the car’s performance under racing conditions. The lightweight steel monocoque chassis and fiberglass body panels contribute to the car’s agility and speed. This Roadster’s racing pedigree is unmatched, making it a true legend of motorsports.
Summary:
- 1965 Ford GT/109 Competition Prototype Roadster.
- Only Ford GT Roadster to race at Le Mans.
- One of two surviving GT Roadsters.
- 289 CI V-8 engine with Weber carburetors.
- 5-speed manual ZF transaxle.
- White exterior with blue interior.
- Shelby American Le Mans preparation.
- Concours-quality restoration.
- Period-correct components.
- Racing history with Trintignant and Ligier.
Disclaimer: Vehicle specifications and condition are based on available information and may vary. Potential buyers should conduct their own inspection and verification.
Source: mecum.com
This article was crafted with assistance from Gemini
