Chassis no. FPMMMKII044
Estimate: US$1,000,000 - US$1,500,000 / £790,000 - £1,200,000
3,496cc Twin-Turbocharged Ecoboost V6
High-Pressure Direct Fuel Injection
700bhp at 6,350rpm
7-Speed Getrag Dual-Clutch Transaxle
4-Wheel Independent Suspension, Multimatic DSSV Dampers
4-Wheel Carbon Ceramic Disc Brakes
*Ford's no-holds-barred, unlimited track-day special
*Developed and built by the legendary race shop, Multimatic
*Unrestricted Ecoboost V6 producing 700+ horsepower
*The 44th of 45 examples produced
*Fabulous one-off livery
*Equipped with optional passenger seat and driver/passenger cooling
*On-board pneumatic jacks, MoTeC data logging system
*Homologated for track use, sold on a Bill of Sale
THE FORD GT MK II
In celebration of the original world-beating GT40 Mk II, Ford chose the 2019 Goodwood Festival of Speed to unveil an exclusive new variant of its already successful second-generation GT supercar. The GT, in its second iteration since the 2005 revival, had already proven itself to be a staggering success – winning right from the gate at numerous races in the hotly contested LM GTE-Pro category, including a return to glory at the holy grail – the 24 Hours of LeMans. But if the 660bhp, 216mph road-going GT seemed a bit tame for some, the new "Mk II" (named for its 1966 LeMans-winning progenitor) was a full-chat, track-only GT that showed what Ford engineers could do without pesky restrictions of road use or race regulations.
To develop the car, Ford again turned to its partners Multimatic Motorsports in Markham, Ontario, Canada. This renowned firm built the race-winning LM GTE-Pro cars, and assisted Ford with the development of the road car. While the race car had been veritably strangled by the Balance of Performance rules (known in sportscar circles as 'getting BOP'd'), Multimatic had no such restrictions for the Mk II and were free to uncork the 3.5-liter Ecoboost V6 to a full 700 horsepower, with more available if needed. A snorkel intake feeds the drivetrain's voracious appetite for cooling air, and additional charge coolers with water spray ensure a cool, dense charge for the engine.
The GT's aero package was heavily reworked, resulting in an astonishing 400% gain in downforce over the standard road car! The aggressive new aero consists of a dual-element rear wing, dive planes, enlarged splitter and diffuser, a new undertray, and louvered front fenders, all made by Multimatic in lightweight carbon fiber and giving the Mk II a stunning, aggressive look that pays homage to the Works race cars.
Skimming weight was another goal, and the road car's adaptive suspension was ditched along with any luxury niceties – sending about 200 pounds to the bin. Multimatic's race-derived five-way adjustable DSSV Dampers and Michelin Pilot Sport GT slicks keep it planted while generating 2G's of lateral grip through anything from the Laguna Seca Corkscrew to The Kink at Road America.
In all, just 45 chassis were hand-built, with each example tailored to the individual buyer's desires. Completely free of the shackles of road or race regulations, the Ford GT Mk II is the ultimate American supercar, designed for extracting every bit of potential performance from its high-tech chassis and showing the best of the European competition a clean pair of heels. The result is a visually stunning machine with a mind-boggling turn of speed that will undoubtedly go down as one of the most collectible and coveted Fords in history.
THE CAR OFFERED
Chassis number 44 is surely one of the most distinctive and visually arresting examples of the 45 GT Mk IIs constructed by Multimatic. Commissioned in December of 2021 and delivered early 2023, it sports a stunning retro-style one-off livery inspired by the customer and developed with Multimatic's Head of Design, Gary Nicoghosian's blessing. The bespoke livery, in its rich blue and white main colors accented with Ford Red to Grabber orange stripes, is a throwback to the IMSA GTP era, sporting the Blue Oval and retro 80s Ford motorsport logo. Fabulously executed, it is a true marriage of something old and something new. Sitting low and wide on its massive Forgeline wheels and Michelin slicks, it is a magnificent car to behold, and the beautiful paintwork is protected by PPF and ceramic treatment. Beyond the aesthetics, this car is equipped with all available options and fittings including driver and passenger cool suit systems, dual FIA-approved Sparco seats, six-point harnesses, FIA compliant roll cage, radio/intercom system, MoTeC data logging with rear camera, and on-board pneumatic jacks. Additionally, it includes a battery tender and custom fitted car cover.
At the time of cataloguing, this GT Mk II has covered a mere 40.4 miles and has yet to be used in anger on any track, offering its next custodian a clean slate to enjoy it to the fullest either on track or as the centerpiece of a collection. The consignor reports that a new battery has just been installed (no small undertaking), ensuring it is ready to enjoy.
Stunning in every aspect and in virtually box-fresh condition, this race-bred, uninhibited GT Mk II is the ultimate "Fast Ford" and will unquestionably stand among the most collectible cars of all time to wear the famous Blue Oval.
Text & Image: Bonhams
The Quail Auction
16 August 2024, 11:00 PDT
Carmel, Quail Lodge & Golf Club
