Equipment
289/440hp Gurney Weslake engine, 5-speed, BRM centerlock wheels, Firestone tires.
Condition
One of 10 factory built lightweight GT40s, reported to retain the original body and chassis, authenticated by Ronnie Spain. Sold to privateer team A.F. Pires in Angola (then under Portuguese control), where it quickly sold on again to Emilio Marta in 1970 after Pires retired from racing. Marta raced it in Angolan international sports car racing series to considerable success. Following the outbreak of civil war in Angola in 1975, Marta went home to Portugal and took the GT40 with him, and raced it there. Sold again in 1979 and slowly restored over the next 20 years. Good body and paint with no signs of road rash or wear, the engine and mechanicals are beautifully restored and the interior does not appear to have been used much since restoration. A beautifully restored, late GT40.
Market commentary
Valuing a GT40 can be as much art as it is science given that much of it comes down to history. This one never competed at major races like Le Mans, Sebring, Daytona or the Nürburgring, and never had big names behind the wheel. But, having the original body and running gear is a big plus, and its late production lightweight spec is another. In the end, this price was an impressive one that makes it the third most expensive GT40 ever sold at auction. It also stands out against the numerous disappointing or mediocre results for Enzo era Ferraris achieved the same week.