A true piece of American motorsport history is hitting the auction block on Bring a Trailer: a 1967 Ford GT40 G7A, one of just 12 J-car chassis ever built by Kar Kraft. This example, chassis J-10, is a remarkable machine that transitioned from a prototype to a Can-Am contender before undergoing an extensive restoration that brought it back to life in Mark IV form.
From J-Car Prototype to Can-Am Warrior
Ford’s J-car program began in 1965, designed as a cutting-edge evolution of the legendary GT40. These lightweight race cars featured an aluminum honeycomb monocoque chassis, developed in collaboration with the defense industry, to enhance aerodynamics and structural rigidity. While the program led to the GT40 Mark IV’s triumph at Le Mans in 1967, FIA rule changes for the 1968 season forced Ford to retire the Mark IV from endurance racing.
Chassis J-10 was one of two cars converted into a spyder-bodied Group 7 racer, rebranded as the G7A, and sold to Charles and Kerry Agapiou in early 1969. The brothers campaigned the car in the Can-Am series, though it only managed a single finish in 10 starts, a second-place result at the Fuji 200. After a crash in 1970, the damaged chassis was sent to England for repairs but remained untouched for years.
Resurrection and Mark IV Transformation
J-10 resurfaced in 1989 when a Los Angeles-based real estate developer acquired it with the intention of restoring it to a Mark IV-style coupe. The project changed hands in 1996, landing with its current owners, who undertook an extensive four-year restoration. The car debuted at the 2018 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, proudly wearing a red-and-white livery inspired by the 1967 Le Mans-winning GT40 Mark IV.
Under the rear clamshell sits a thunderous 427ci Ford FE V8, equipped with aluminum tunnel-port cylinder heads, twin Holley four-barrel carburetors, and a dry-sump lubrication system. The engine exhales through a signature “bundle of snakes” exhaust system, giving it an unmistakable soundtrack. Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a Kar Kraft T-44 four-speed manual transaxle, ensuring an authentic race-bred experience.
Cooling is managed by a front-mounted aluminum radiator with dual electric fans, while an oil cooler is positioned within the engine bay. This GT40 rides on staggered 15-inch turbine-style magnesium wheels wrapped in Hoosier TD S tires, secured by directional three-eared knock-offs.
Track-Ready Interior
The right-hand-drive cockpit remains true to its racing roots, featuring a black cloth-trimmed driver’s seat with vinyl bolsters and an unpadded, dimpled passenger seat. A four-point latch-and-link harness keeps the driver secure, while a full steel roll cage provides additional safety. FIA regulations from the 1960s required Le Mans cars to accommodate a suitcase, and this example maintains the luggage compartment within the engine bay.
Instrumentation includes a Jones Motrola tachometer and essential gauges monitoring oil pressure, coolant temperature, fuel pressure, and oil temperature. A wood-knobbed right-hand shifter adds to the period-correct race car feel. Toggle switches and fuses are mounted to the driver’s left, maintaining the car’s minimalist, function-over-form aesthetic. The vehicle does not have an odometer, and the total mileage is unknown.
Auction Details
This historically significant 1967 Ford GT40 G7A, restored to Mark IV specification, is currently being offered on Bring a Trailer. The sale includes historical documentation and a bill of sale, making it a rare opportunity to own a piece of Ford’s motorsport legacy. Whether destined for a private collection or vintage racing events, J-10 remains a testament to the GT40’s enduring legacy on and off the track.
Don’t miss your chance to bid on this one-of-a-kind machine this is Ford racing history at its finest.