A Ford GT40 prototype, the second oldest in existence, has sold at the top of Mecum Auctions' Houston sale, which took place on April 10-12.
A lightweight coupe model and factory team car, chassis number GT-104 sold for $7.1m. It originally starred in the 1964 24 Hours of Le Mans, finishing its first lap in pole position before retiring due to a fire.
The Ford GT40 was created to exact revenge on Ferrari owner Enzo Ferrari, who had offered to sell his prestigious company to Henry Ford, before pulling out of the deal after a dispute over the Indianapolis 500, costing Ford several million dollars.
Ford's revenge was sweet, with the Ford GT40 winning four consecutive 24 Hours of Le Mans races - an event that had been dominated by Ferrari for years.
In 2012, a 1968 Ford GT40 Gulf-Mirage racer set the world record for an American car sold at auction at $11m.
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