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| 1968 Ford GT40 |
Have you ever wondered what the most expensive American car ever sold at auction was? Well, before the Ford GT40 came around, it was a 1931 Duesenberg roadster (AKA Whittell Coupe), which sold to Gooding & Company for an impressive $10.34 million in 2011. However, even the Whittell Coupe fails in comparison to the recent auction of the Ford GT40. To learn more about this record-setting auction, keep reading. Selling Price The 1968 Ford GT40 sold for a whopping $11 million at a California auction last night on August 20th, 2012, making it the most expensive American car ever sold at auction. This is quite an accomplishment given there are thousands of auctions throughout the country each year.
The auction took place around the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance car show. If you live in California, chances are you’ve heard of this popular automotive show. Along with the hundreds of classic cars set up on display, there are auctions, exhibits, shows and tons of other entertainment. Although, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance car show did something else this year – create a new record for the most expensive American car sold at auction.
About The Ford GT40
The Ford GT40 is quite a beauty to behold. It was manufactured almost entirely out of Detroit, Michigan and was driven by Henry Ford II in the Le Mans endurance race. As expected, the GT40 won the race four consecutive times before Ford called it quits 1969. After Ford was done by the car, it was sold to the legendary icon Steve McQueen for use as a camera car. Although no one knows the exact modifications done, there were some noticeable camera mounts and panels installed, which allowed it to serve its purpose of shooting footage better. With that said, McQueen restored the car back to its original condition once he was through using it. This allowed future buyers to enjoy all of the original features Henry Ford II put into this one of a kind automobile.
Most Expensive Car
Although the Ford GT40 is the most expensive American car ever sold at auction, a foreign car was reportedly sold for more. A 1957 Ferrari Testa Rossa sold for $16.5 million at Pebble Beach, California last year, giving it the title for the world’s most expensive car sold at auction. If auto sales continue the way they’ve been going in recent years, it’s likely that we’ll see more record-breakers in the years to come.
