Henry Ford is famous for producing the first lineup of affordable American cars. The first of these mass-produced vehicles (the Model T) debuted in 1908. But Ford cars have changed a lot since the beginning of the 20th century, and some are far less budget-friendly!
The most expensive Ford car ever sold is the 1968 Ford GT40 from the 1971 film Le Mans. Steve McQueen drove this blue and orange competition car, and this model earned first place in four consecutive 24 Hours of Le Mans competitions. This vehicle sold for $11 million in August of 2012.
Though Ford might not be as well known for expensive luxury cars as other automakers like Porsche or Rolls-Royce, several of their vehicles have sold for millions. This ranking will reveal the priciest Ford cars ever, helping you discover incredible Ford vehicles that exceed the average price point.
Here Are the Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Cars Ever:
- 1968 Ford GT40 – $11 million
- 1967 Ford GT40 Mk III – $5 million
- 1965 Shelby GT350 R Prototype – $3.85 million
- Bullitt 1968 Ford Mustang GT390 – $3.4 million
- 2005 Ford Shelby GR-1 Concept – $3 million
- 1967 Shelby GT500 Super Snake – $1.3 Million
- 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 VIN 001 – $1.1 million
- 1967 Shelby Mustang GT500 Eleanor – $1 million
- 1965 Shelby Mustang GT350 R – $984,500
- 2016 Ford GT – $400,00
10. 2016 Ford GT – $400,00
The 2016 Ford GT is the costliest consumer-available vehicle ever released by Ford. It had a prospective MSRP of $400,000 before its initial release.
This sporty-looking two-door coupe is one of the flashiest vehicles ever produced by the eponymous automaker, with angular body lines and headlights. Though the 2016 Ford GT lacked a rear spoiler, its potential speed was unquestionably impressive, with a twin-turbocharged engine capable of producing 600 horsepower.
Notably, Ford planned to produce 250 of these cars, making them far scarcer than the brand’s popular F150 truck or Fusion sedan.
Why It’s Expensive
This car’s incredible pre-release price results from high consumer interest, high-quality components, and a dynamic engine.
The attractive body design and sporty aesthetic also impacted its value. Drivers looking to add a street-safe race car to their collection would have struggled to find a better, more affordable option in 2016.
Ironically, this coupe’s comparative affordability attracted more buyers, raising its value to less-affordable plateaus.
9. 1965 Shelby Mustang GT350 R – $984,500
The 1965 Shelby Mustang GT350 R is an antique race car, but its top speed continues to rival brand-new competition cars. After all, this speedy vehicle can reach speeds of more than 180mph (about 290kph).
But this car’s true claim to fame is its multiple competition wins. During the 1968 and 1969 spate of racing competitions, this vehicle claimed more than a dozen wins. Even better, this decades-old car retains most of its original parts, making it a rare find.
This speedy vehicle is almost twice as costly as the world’s most expensive Lexus sedan, selling for $984,500 at the Amelia Island auction in 2014.
Why It’s Expensive
This red-white-and-blue race car has more consecutive competition wins than any other Shelby Mustang, making it highly desirable to car collectors with a penchant for race-winning vintage vehicles. Besides, this car has most of its original parts, including antique body panels.
Famed race car driver Charlie Kemp drove the 1965 Shelby Mustang GT350 R during its notable winning streak. As such, this vehicle has a history of famous drivers that helps boost its staggering initial value.
8. 1967 Shelby Mustang GT500 Eleanor – $1 million
Many of the costliest Ford vehicles are Shelby Mustang GT500s. But few of these cars are as easily recognizable as the 1967 Shelby Mustang GT500 Eleanor, a stunning gray-silver two-door vehicle that featured in the 2000 film Gone in 60 Seconds.
Like many other high-priced Ford cars, the Shelby Eleanor has a famous driver—famed actor Nicholas Cage! So it should be no surprise that this one-of-a-kind vehicle sold for $1 million at the 2013 Mecum Auctions.
Why It’s Expensive
This vintage vehicle is in top-notch condition and was driven by one of the most well-known American actors of the 21st century, Nicholas Cage. These qualities make it far more valuable than the average Ford Mustang.
7. 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 VIN 001 – $1.1 million
The first 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 is the most contemporary model in this ranking. But its aesthetic harkens back to the 1920s, with an aluminum silver body exterior reminiscent of many of the first race cars.
Still, the components beneath the hood of this 2020 vehicle are a far cry from antique cars. After all, this GT500 features a supercharged V8 engine that packs more than 700 horsepower.
This engine is one of the most powerful ever featured in a street-safe consumer car. Maybe that’s why this vehicle fetched $1.1 million at auction in 2019.
Why It’s Expensive
It’s the first production model of the 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 put up for sale. Due to its innovative components and unique design, the first 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 sold for more than a million dollars in 2019. It was also a top-of-the-line vehicle during that year, making it an attractive option for car collectors looking to own something new and potentially historically significant.
6. 1967 Shelby GT500 Super Snake – $1.3 Million
Though the 1967 Shelby Mustang GT500 Eleanor sold for an impressive $1 million, it couldn’t compete with its sister vehicle, the 1967 Shelby GT500 Super Snake. This suped-up GT500 shares a similar body style, but its racing stripes and lifted back end make it a far sportier vehicle.
Like the Eleanor, the Super Snake was sold at the 2013 Mecum Auctions in Florida. But unlike its gray counterpart, the Super Snake sold for $1.3 million, making it one of the priciest Ford Mustang GT500s ever.
Why It’s Expensive
This white-and-blue vehicle is historically significant as its a byproduct of the GT40 Mk II program. It’s also a wickedly fast speedster capable of reaching about 170mph (274kph).
Car collectors hoping to turn heads with a vintage Ford Mustang are bound to appreciate this vehicle’s sporty look and powerful engine, but museums may compete for the chance to own this car due to its unique history.
All-in-all, the Super Snake is the most expensive GT500 in the world!
5. 2005 Ford Shelby GR-1 Concept – $3 million
Concept cars are often far more valuable than mass-produced vehicles. After all, while consumer-friendly Ford vehicle models are available all across the country (and the world), concept cars are typically one-of-a-kind vehicles that cannot be replaced.
The 2005 Ford Shelby GR-1 Concept is a prime example.
This vehicle technically debuted at the 2004 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, but it was simply a clay representation at that point. The final version was released a year later at the North American International Auto Show, and it immediately turned heads due to its uniquely luxurious design.
Though this concept didn’t go on to become a mass-produced coupe, it did inspire a limited 2019 production. Due to its uniqueness and stylish design, this concept car is worth $3 million.
Why It’s Expensive
This concept car has a top speed of 190mph (306kph), making it incredibly speedy. Its design is also reminiscent of 1960s supercars, making it a Bond-worthy vehicle that would look at home easing up to a celebrity event or parked in the driveway of a sumptuous chalet.
4. Bullitt 1968 Ford Mustang GT390 – $3.4 million
This 1968 Ford Mustang GT390 was featured heavily in the 1968 action film Bullitt. The titular protagonist, Frank Bullitt, was played by Steve McQueen, who helped make this car (and the 1968 Ford GT40) famous worldwide.
Like several of the world’s most valuable vehicles, this car went missing for several decades. However, it was re-discovered in 2018, igniting a fervor among film memorabilia and car collectors. This unrestored black coupe sold for $3.4 million in 2020, making it one of the most expensive unrestored Ford cars ever sold.
Why It’s Expensive
This Ford Mustang might not be in top-notch condition like the other vehicles included in this ranking, but its condition isn’t why it’s so expensive. Instead, the primary reason behind this vehicle’s multi-million-dollar price is its fame.
This car was basically a non-speaking protagonist in the 1968 film Bullit. Due to the film’s widespread popularity, the Ford Mustang was propelled to legendary status among American sports car drivers.
While there are several recreations of this vehicle, there’s only one authentic version, making it incredibly valuable among well-to-do buyers and collectors.
3. 1965 Shelby GT350 R Prototype – $3.85 million
During the 1960s, the Shelby GT350 R became one of the most capable competition cars. Its lightweight body and powerful engine helped it win multiple international racing competitions, making it a desirable choice for racing teams worldwide.
But like all other vehicles, the GT350 R didn’t just appear one day. Instead, it resulted from years of research, design changes, and testing.
The 1965 Shelby GT350 R Prototype was the first realized version of the model, and its historical significance makes it a museum-ready piece that could complete and Ford competition car collection. This prototype sold for an astounding $3.85 million in 2020, making it far more costly than other Shelby GT350 R vehicles.
Why It’s Expensive
This car helped kick off Ford’s most successful racing car, the infamous Shelby Mustang GT350 R. As such, it’s a historically-significant one-of-a-kind vehicle that will continue to fetch incredible prices.
2. 1967 Ford GT40 Mk III – $5 million
Though the Ford brand is associated with American automobiles, the distinct 1967 Ford GT40 Mk III was produced in the United Kingdom. It’s also one of the few competition-ready cars reworked to become a street-legal sports car.
With a design similar to the era’s most famous Italian supercars, the 1967 Ford GT40 Mk III featured iconic British racing stripes and a capable V8 engine. The initial price of this gorgeous two-door vehicle was only $18,000, but nowadays, this car sells for a minimum of $5 million.
Why It’s Expensive
Nearly all Ford cars are designed and manufactured in the United States. While some manufacturing needs are outsourced to Mexico and Canada, the automaker brand is known as one of the most successful American automobile makers and one of its first.
So the fact that the 1967 Ford GT40 Mk III was produced in the United Kingdom makes it distinctly different from other vintage Ford sports cars. This feature also makes it an attractive buy for wealthy investors looking to add a rare Ford to their garage.
1. 1968 Ford GT40 – $11 Million
The most expensive Ford car is the 1968 Ford GT40, a two-door competition car that sold for $11 million in August of 2012.
This antique car is notable for several reasons, but the main thing that consistently draws in buyers is its feature debut in the 1971 film Le Mans, a movie exploring the high-intensity races of the 24 Hours of Le Mans competitions.
Notably, the man behind the wheel of the 1968 Ford GT40 in this 1971 film was legendary American actor Steve McQueen. Both film buffs and car collectors adore this vintage race car.
But while the 1968 Ford GT40 is the priciest Ford car, it’s less than half the price of the world’s most expensive Audi!
Why It’s Expensive
The 1968 Ford GT40 became an iconic Ford race car after its appearance in the 1971 film about the 24 Hours of Le Mans competitions. The fact that Steve McQueen drove this speedster in the movie only boosted its notoriety and popularity.
So, when this vehicle went to auction in 2012, a multitude of affluent buyers competed for the chance to add this car to their most prized collections. This intense competition drove the price upward, resulting in its multi-million-dollar sale.
Why Are Some Ford Cars So Expensive?
Like the most expensive Porsche cars, the priciest Ford cars tend to be concept or competition cars. If you’re looking to invest in a Ford vehicle that appreciates over time, you’ll want to choose a car that exhibits at least one of the following qualities:
- Competition wins
- Famous owners
- Rarity and demand
- Speed and design
Let’s briefly discuss these qualities to discover how they impact a Ford car’s value and selling price.
Competition Wins
Ford cars with plenty of competition wins under their belt can sell for far higher prices than brand-new vehicles. This might seem counterintuitive, as the average buyer looks for used cars with low mileage.
But car collectors with a passion for retired race cars are far more likely to spend wads of cash on a vehicle with a prestigious racing history than a standard consumer-friendly car.
Famous Owners
When a celebrity owns a Ford vehicle, that car immediately becomes more valuable. That’s because pop culture fanatics and film memorabilia collectors are often willing to pay incredible prices to own the personal belongings of internationally famous actors, musicians, and authors.
However, some of the priciest Ford vehicles also feature famous drivers. The iconic 1968 Ford GT40 (driven by Steve McQueen) is a top-notch example. Though McQueen didn’t own this vehicle, the simple fact that he drove it while filming a movie makes it far more valuable than other vintage 1968 Ford GT40 race cars.
Rarity and Demand
The law of supply and demand is an essential factor influencing the prices of Ford vehicles. Mass-produced vehicles available from your local Ford dealership are less valuable than rare models.
That’s because the demand for consumer-friendly Ford trucks, sedans, and SUVS is almost equal to the supply. But the demand for rare Ford race cars and concept vehicles far exceeds the supply, increasing their value.
Speed and Design
Ford vehicles with innovative, top-of-the-line designs and components sell for big bucks. That’s why concept cars with striking designs and competition cars with powerful engines sell at higher prices than well-established vehicles with standard street-friendly engines.
Essentially, the faster and more unique the car, the higher its value.
What’s the Most Expensive Ford You Can Buy Today?
Many of the most expensive Ford vehicles are vintage or antique cars. These models can be particularly hard to come by, especially considering that most are unique or one-of-a-kind vehicles.
If you’re looking to buy a high-priced Ford car today, you might want to choose a vehicle from one of the more recent lineups. The 2022 Ford F150 SuperCrew Cab Limited is an excellent option, with an MSRP of about $75,000.
The 2022 Ford F150 SuperCrew Cab Limited is a massive pickup truck with a powerful V6 engine capable of producing up to 430 horsepower. It could be the ultimate blend of luxury and utility for those hoping to own and drive a Ford pickup truck.
Still, if you’d rather own a Ford luxury sedan, the best possible option may be the 2022 Ford Taurus SHO. When you add optional build packages (like parking sensors), this sedan’s final price can exceed $43,000.
Though it’s not as powerful as the 2022 Ford F150 SuperCrew Cab Limited, it’s far sleeker and more compact, making it a better choice for those living in metropolitan areas.
What’s the Most Expensive Ford of All Time?
The most expensive Ford of all time is the 1968 Ford GT40. Steve McQueen drove this vehicle during the 1971 film Le Mans. As such, it’s both an impressive competition car and a piece of film memorabilia.
When the 1968 Ford GT40 went to auction in August of 2012, it sold for a jaw-dropping $11 million. That’s more than a hundred times more than the MSRP of the 2022 Ford F-150 Limited, the priciest Ford car you can buy today!
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