Yahoo Autos 1966 Ford GT40 MkI road car headed to Mecum's Kissimmee auction
Christmas will come in January for a number of bidders at Mecum's Kissimmee, Florida auctions running from January 2-14. One of the lots crossing the dais will be this 1966 Ford GT40 MkI road car. The MkI race cars fitted Ford's 289-cubic-inch V8 and smoother bodywork than the MkII cars powered by the 427-cubic-inch V8; note the flying buttresses behind the cockpit that inspired the buttresses on the 2017 Ford GT, whereas the MkII cars required additional air intakes here. Before MkI production ended, Ford built 30 roadgoing examples, making 49 changes to dial the racy bits back slightly. The alterations included a softer suspension settings, dual-plate clutches instead of three-plate for the five-speed ZF manual transmission, and more pliant brakes, The interior's laid up with more leather and upholstery than the race car, too.
Italian Antonio Allecce ordered this car new, Ford delivered it to him in this Metallic Dark Blue over black interior in 1966. Allecce specced the race exhaust but also got the road exhaust normally fitted, he also paid extra for a high-pressure oil pump, as well as a spare wire wheel and Goodyear tire for the frunk.
