GT108: The Pioneering Ford GT40 Roadster Prototype

 In the annals of automotive history, few cars embody bold ambition like the Ford GT40. Conceived in the early 1960s to challenge Ferrari's dominance at Le Mans, the GT40 program produced just 12 prototypes before full production. Among them, chassis GT/108 stands out as the first true roadster variant—a rare open-top masterpiece blending raw racing prowess with visions of a potential street-legal supercar.

Built in March 1965 at Ford Advanced Vehicles in Slough, England, GT/108 was the eighth prototype overall and the inaugural roadster on a dedicated steel monocoque chassis. Powered by a 289 cubic-inch V8 delivering approximately 385 horsepower, it featured distinctive styling cues: a redesigned nose for improved aerodynamics and higher rear intakes. Finished in white with bold blue stripes, it exuded purposeful elegance.

Shipped to Carroll Shelby's operation in the United States, GT/108 became a vital development tool. It served as the primary testbed for the ZF five-speed transaxle, proving its superiority and leading to its adoption across the GT40 lineup. Legends like Ken Miles tested it rigorously at Gt 108 Riverside Raceway, while Shelby himself demonstrated it to Henry Ford II. In a historic moment, two-time Formula 1 champion Jim Clark piloted GT/108 for hot laps at Watkins Glen during the 1965 United States Grand Prix weekend—believed to be the only time the Scottish driver ever handled a GT40.

Though never entered in competitive racing, GT/108 played a crucial promotional role. It paced events, dazzled at the Indianapolis 500 festivities, and showcased Ford's engineering prowess nationwide. The roadster concept was ultimately abandoned in favor of closed coupes for better endurance performance, paving the way for Ford's triumphant 1-2-3 finish at Le Mans in 1966.

After its factory duties, GT/108 faced import challenges but survived intact. Sold privately in the late 1960s, it passed through discerning collectors. Restored in the 1980s and refreshed mechanically in 2003 by specialists like Phil Reilly & Company, it maintained remarkable originality. Exhibited at prestigious events including Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and The Quail, GT/108 has also enjoyed vintage racing without major incidents.

In 2019, this iconic prototype fetched $7.65 million at RM Sotheby's Monterey auction, underscoring its rarity—one of only two surviving GT40 roadster prototypes (the other, GT/109, competed briefly at Le Mans). Today, GT/108 remains a celebrated survivor, preserving prototype features that distinguish it from production models.

For enthusiasts, GT/108 represents the GT40's experimental spirit: an open-air thrill machine that helped forge Ford's motorsport legacy. In a story dominated by Le Mans-conquering coupes from 1966 to 1969, this roadster prototype endures as a testament to innovation and the pursuit of victory.