Are you a Ford fanatic? The Blue Oval has produced some of the most sought-after vehicles in automotive history. But among the vast sea of Fords, a select few stand out as the rarest and most extraordinary.
In fact, the 1966 Ford GT40 Roadster, with only five ever made, recently sold for a staggering $7.65 million at auction.1
These elusive machines are the stuff of legends, commanding astronomical prices and the envy of collectors worldwide. Here are 15 of Ford’s most exclusive and hard-to-find creations.
1. 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429
The 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 is a true unicorn among muscle cars. Only 859 were ever produced, making it one of the rarest Mustangs in existence. This powerhouse was built to homologate the 429 cubic inch V8 engine for NASCAR racing.
Key features:
- Semi-hemi 429 cubic inch V8 engine rated at 375 horsepower
- Reinforced shock towers and a wider track for improved handling
- Functional hood scoop and front spoiler for enhanced aerodynamics
- Distinctive reflective “c” stripe on the sides
2. 1968 Ford GT40 Gulf/Mirage Lightweight
The 1968 Ford GT40 Gulf/Mirage Lightweight is a legendary race car that dominated the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Only three lightweight versions were ever built, making it exceptionally rare.
Key features:
- Lightweight aluminum and fiberglass body panels
- High-output 302 cubic inch V8 engine
- Advanced aerodynamics, including a low-drag body and rear spoiler
- Iconic Gulf Oil livery in powder blue and marigold yellow
3. 1970 Ford Torino King Cobra
The 1970 Ford Torino King Cobra was a prototype muscle car that never made it to production. Only three were built before Ford pulled the plug on the project. The King Cobra was designed to be Ford’s answer to the Dodge Charger Daytona and Plymouth Superbird.
Key features:
- Aerodynamic nose cone and tall rear wing
- Modified 429 Cobra Jet V8 engine with ram air induction
- Heavy-duty suspension and brakes for high-speed stability
- Striking Grabber Blue paint with black hood and rear wing
4. 1967 Ford GT40 Mk IV
The 1967 Ford GT40 Mk IV was a purpose-built race car that took the checkered flag at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Only 12 Mk IVs were constructed, with just four being converted for road use.
Key features:
- Lightweight aluminum honeycomb chassis
- 427 cubic inch V8 engine producing over 500 horsepower
- Advanced aerodynamics, including a low-drag body and rear spoiler
- Minimalist interior with a focus on weight reduction
5. 1969 Ford Mustang Trans Am
The 1969 Ford Mustang Trans Am was a factory-backed race car built for the Sports Car Club of America’s Trans-American Sedan Championship. Only 11 were produced, with just two surviving today.
Key features:
- Highly modified 302 cubic inch V8 engine
- Bespoke suspension and brakes for track performance
- Stripped-down interior with a roll cage and racing seats
- Distinctive red, white, and blue livery with sponsor decals
6. 1962 Ford Mustang I Concept
The 1962 Ford Mustang I Concept was a revolutionary prototype that laid the groundwork for the iconic Mustang. Only two running prototypes were built, making it one of the rarest Fords in existence.
Key features:
- Mid-mounted 1.5-liter V4 engine from a Ford Cardinal
- Lightweight aluminum body with a sleek, aerodynamic design
- Independent rear suspension for improved handling
- Minimalist interior with bucket seats and a small steering wheel
7. 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Trans Am
The 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Trans Am was a race-ready version of the Boss 302 built for the Trans-Am series. Only three were constructed by Ford’s in-house race shop, Kar Kraft.
Key features:
- Highly tuned 302 cubic inch V8 engine with over 450 horsepower
- Lightweight body panels and plexiglass windows for weight reduction
- Heavy-duty suspension and brakes for track performance
- Iconic Grabber Orange paint with black stripes and sponsor decals
8. 1966 Ford GT40 Roadster
The 1966 Ford GT40 Roadster was an open-top version of the legendary GT40 race car. Only five roadsters were ever built.
Key features:
- Removable roof panel for open-air driving
- High-output 289 cubic inch V8 engine
- Advanced aerodynamics, including a low-drag body and rear spoiler
- Luxurious interior with leather seats and air conditioning
9. 1969 Ford Mustang E
The 1969 Ford Mustang E was an experimental electric vehicle decades ahead of its time. Only two prototypes were constructed before the project was shelved.
Key features:
- Dual electric motors producing 100 horsepower
- Lead-acid battery pack with a range of about 50 miles
- Lightweight fiberglass body for improved efficiency
- Futuristic interior with a digital instrument cluster
10. 1964 Ford GT40 Prototype
The 1964 Ford GT40 Prototype was the first functioning version of the iconic race car. Only 12 prototypes were built, with each one being slightly different as development progressed.
Key features:
- Mid-mounted 289 cubic inch V8 engine
- Lightweight steel monocoque chassis
- Advanced aerodynamics, including a low-drag body and rear spoiler
- Spartan interior with a focus on weight reduction
11. 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 428 Cobra Jet
The 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 428 Cobra Jet was a high-performance variant of the Mach 1 with a potent 428 cubic inch V8. Only 14,746 were produced, making it relatively rare among Mustangs.
Key features:
- 428 Cobra Jet V8 engine rated at 335 horsepower (underrated)
- Functional hood scoop and front spoiler for enhanced aerodynamics
- Heavy-duty suspension and brakes for improved handling
- Distinctive reflective side stripes and “Mach 1” badging
12. 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429 Fastback
The 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429 Fastback was the ultimate iteration of the Boss 429, with only 499 built. It featured a revised engine and improved suspension for even better performance.
Key features:
- Updated 429 cubic inch V8 engine with a new valvetrain and revised exhaust
- Reinforced shock towers and a wider track for improved handling
- Functional hood scoop and front spoiler for enhanced aerodynamics
- Distinctive reflective “c” stripe on the sides and “Boss 429” decals
13. 1966 Ford GT40 Mk II
The 1966 Ford GT40 Mk II was the first American car to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Only 13 Mk IIs were built, with most being used for racing.
Key features:
- Powerful 427 cubic inch V8 engine producing over 500 horsepower
- Lightweight aluminum and fiberglass body panels
- Advanced aerodynamics, including a low-drag body and rear spoiler
- Minimalist interior with a focus on weight reduction
14. 1970 Ford Falcon XY GT-HO Phase III
The 1970 Ford Falcon XY GT-HO Phase III was a high-performance sedan built by Ford Australia. Only 300 were produced, making it one of the rarest Australian muscle cars.
Key features:
- High-output 351 Cleveland V8 engine with over 350 horsepower
- Heavy-duty suspension and brakes for improved handling
- Functional hood scoops and a rear spoiler for enhanced aerodynamics
- Distinctive “GT-HO” badging and striping
15. 1969 Ford Talladega
The 1969 Ford Talladega was a limited-production muscle car built for NASCAR homologation. Only 743 were made, making it one of the rarest Fords of the era.
Key features:
- Aerodynamic front end with a sloped nose and flush-mounted grille
- High-output 428 Cobra Jet V8 engine
- Heavy-duty suspension and brakes for high-speed stability
- Distinctive “Talladega” badging and striping
From ultra-rare prototypes to dominant race cars, these 15 Fords represent the pinnacle of the brand’s engineering prowess and passion for performance.
While most of us can only dream of owning one of these automotive unicorns, their legacy continues to inspire and captivate enthusiasts worldwide.
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Nancy Maffia
Nancy received a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.
