Christian Bale drove it in the movie Ford v Ferrari and now you can own it.
This 1966 Superformance Ford GT40 is one of two that were built for the movie “Ford v Ferrari”. It is known as the hero car because it is the one that Christian Bale drove during the filming. It was specially built to replicate the 1966 Ford GT40 MKII that Ken Miles drove in the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans.
This 1966 Ford GT40, painted in the legendary 1966 Blue No. 1 livery, made red carpet and television appearances advertising the movie and now you can have it in your garage. You just have to be the top bidder at an upcoming Mecum Auction.
According to the information in the Mecum brochure, this vehicle was built at Superformance in Irvine, California.
The 1966 GT40 MKII features:
- Unibody structure constructed of electro-galvanized steel
- Pressed steel roof
- Specially prepared Roush 427IR V-8 engine stroked to 511 CI
- K&N Inglese-style injection
- Rear exit 'bundle of snakes' exhaust system
- Quaife RBT/ZF-style 5-speed transaxle
- Independent front suspension with unequal-length A-arms, Bilstein shocks with H&R springs and anti-roll bar
- Independent rear suspension with trailing arms, unequal length lateral arms, Bilstein shocks with H&R springs and anti-roll bar
- Shelby American Halibrand-style wheels with knock-off hubs
This car is titled as 0000 Special Construction. It is a right-hand drive vehicle.
Legendary Racing History
The movie traces how Henry Ford II, known as “The Deuce” became obsessed with beating the Ferraris in the race known as the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Race car driver Ken Miles worked with Carroll Shelby to design a race car that could go faster than the Ferraris and also endure the brutal 24-hour race. The Ford cars finished first, second and third in the history making race.
Superformance shows incredible attention to detail, building a GT40 that emulates Ken Miles’ original race car. Everything is said to appear authentic and correct in appearance as possible. The toggle switches and screws, interior materials are so perfect that the vehicle was used for close ups during the filming.
The specially built Roush engine produces 604 horsepower and 572 lb.-ft. of torque. The originally styled race car seats are covered in Alcantara leather with silver rivets. The car is signed by Charlie Agapiou, Ken Miles' crew chief in 1966 and Peter Miles, Ken's son.
The 1966 GT40 MKII Hero car from the movie Ford v Ferrari will be available during the Mecum Auction, in Kissimmee, Florida, January 2-12, 2020. It is Lot S203. It is expected to sell for $275,000-$325,000.
This will be quite an auction for Mecum in Kissimmee. As I have reported previously, the original 1968 Bullitt Mustang from the Steve McQueen movie Bullitt is also going up for auction in Kissimmee. One of the original 1967 Eleanor Mustangs from the movie “Gone in 60 Seconds” is also on the block in Kissimmee.
This Mecum auction will be special for anyone who loves fast cars and movies. I think that pretty much covers all of us.
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