by Early Ford GT prototype goes up for auction
One of the most interesting, yet controversial, Ford GT cars will be sold at the Barrett-Jackson auction. This is not a production supercar nor a show car. It is a development prototype that participated in the creation of the second-generation Ford GT, and it comes with an important warning for the buyer.
The prototype’s purpose is data, not appearance
The car was built in late 2015 and was used for powertrain testing and calibration during the early stages of development. Its body is made of dry carbon fiber without paint, as the main goal was not aesthetics but the collection of engineering data. Every detail served a technical purpose.
Technical specifications
Under the body lies the familiar 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 engine, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The chassis includes a carbon fiber passenger cell, aluminum subframes, pushrod suspension, adjustable ride height, active aerodynamics, and powerful carbon-ceramic brakes.
Race-inspired interior
The interior of the car resembles a race car. The doors open upwards, and the driver’s seat is equipped with a fixed carbon fiber seat, adjustable pedals, and a digital display controlled via a Formula 1-inspired steering wheel. The interior has some finish imperfections, and there is no passenger seat at all, yet it looks significantly more presentable than the exterior.
Barrett-Jackson has six more Ford GT cars that will be sold in Scottsdale, including an example owned by Tim Allen and a late pre-production prototype converted into the 700-hp track-only MkII version.
Sale terms and restrictions
This prototype is being sold with no reserve price, which could make it significantly cheaper than well-maintained production GT models. Proceeds from the sale will go towards supporting the preservation of the Ford Heritage Fleet historical collection.
However, there is an important condition: the car is sold only with a bill of sale, and its use on public roads is completely prohibited. It cannot be registered, insured, or legally used on public roads.
A valuable exhibit for a collector
Despite the restrictions, this prototype could become a valuable historical exhibit for a collector who already owns a production Ford GT. It embodies an early stage in the development of one of Ford’s most iconic modern models.
The sale of such a prototype highlights how engineering artifacts created for internal purposes gain historical and collectible value over time. The ban on road use essentially turns it into a museum exhibit, preserving its authenticity. This is a rare case where a car never intended for the public becomes available to collectors, offering a unique insight into the creation process of a legendary automobile.
