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46 BARRETT-JACKSON EXPERIENCE FALL 2024In motorsports, some victories stand atop a podium all their own. Even decades later, the memories still burn bright, and the achievements maintain their luster. Among the unforgettable highlights in racing history are Ford Motor Company%u2019s run of victories in the 1960s at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the famed GT40 sports cars. Ford plowed extraordinary resources into its Le Mans effort, placing its reputation on the line, and the gamble paid off big. The GT40 won Le Mans four straight years, from 1966-69, along with victories at America%u2019s top endurance races at Sebring and Daytona. It was a MKII GT40 fielded by Shelby American that first won in 1966, with drivers Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon behind the wheel. Although the finish was wrapped in controversy that can still animate fans even today, the victors%u2019 names are etched in the record books. Shelby entries took the top two positions that year. It was a meaningful victory for Carroll Shelby, who had won the race as a driver in 1959 and had now returned to win as a team owner. It remains a milestone for the company that still bears his name. In 2016 Shelby American announced a run of 50th Anniversary continuation GT40s honoring that 1966 victory. Number 14 of the 20 commissioned by Shelby American will be offered with No Reserve at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Fall Auction, Oct. 10-13 at WestWorld.These continuation cars are no mere look-alikes. According to Shelby, two-thirds of the parts are interchangeable with the original 1966 GT40 race cars. The cars are true to the original GT40 MKII%u2019s dimensions, at 163 inches long and 40 inches high. They are built around an original-style steel monocoque THE SHELBY GT40 MKII 50TH ANNIVERSARYTIMELESS APPEAL OF A WINNER