News > 03 September 2025
Ford GT vs Ferrari Icons: Value Wars From Le Mans to Today
When Henry Ford II failed to buy Ferrari in the 1960s, it sparked one of the greatest rivalries in motorsport. The result was the Ford GT40, a car designed for one reason: beat Ferrari at Le Mans. Six decades later, the rivalry lives on – not just on the track, but in the auction houses.
Using CarClimb’s global auction data, here’s how Ford GT and GT40 values stack up against Ferrari’s legends, and what it means for collectors.
1. The 1960s Showdown: GT40 vs Ferrari 250 & Ferrari 275
Ford GT40
Market Value: ~$1.9M
(sales up to $13.2M for race-winning examples)
Ferrari 250
Market Value: ~$1.7M
(outliers above $50M for the 250 GTO)
Ferrari 275
Market Value: ~$2.3M
(sales up to $27.5M)
The GT40’s Le Mans victories have cemented its value. While Ferrari’s 250 GTO dominates headlines as the most expensive car in history, the GT40 has proven just as resilient, with genuine race cars commanding eight-figure sums. For collectors, both marques represent blue-chip investments, but Ferrari’s sheer rarity has pushed its prices higher.
Takeaway: GT40 values mirror Ferrari’s icons but remain more “accessible” – relatively speaking.
2. The Modern Era: Ford GT vs Ferrari Supercars
Ford GT (2005–2020s)
Market Value: ~$440,000
(rare models up to $2.5M)
Ferrari F50
Market Value: ~$3.0M
Ferrari Enzo
Market Value: ~$2.8M
Ferrari LaFerrari
Market Value: ~$3.4M
The reborn Ford GT has held its own against Ferrari’s halo cars. The 2005–2006 GT doubled in value over the past decade, and the 2017+ GT’s limited production run has pushed Heritage Editions well past $1M. Yet, Ferrari’s flagship lineage — F50 to LaFerrari — sits firmly in the multimillion-dollar bracket.
Takeaway: The Ford GT is the attainable alternative, but Ferrari’s halo cars remain in a league of their own for exclusivity and appreciation.
3. Investment Performance: Ford vs Ferrari
- Ford GT (2005–06) values have doubled since launch, rising from ~$150k MSRP to ~$400k–$500k today.
- Ferrari F40 values have tripled since the early 2000s, moving from ~$500k to $1.6M+
- Ferrari Enzo and LaFerrari have both stabilized above $2.5M after initial spikes
Key Trend: Ford’s strategy of limited production has given the GT credibility as a collectible. Ferrari’s halo cars benefit from global cachet and decades of investor trust.
4. Cultural Impact and Collectibility
The Ford GT40 is a motorsport legend with cinematic fame (Ford v Ferrari)
The Ferrari 250 GTO remains the ultimate status symbol
The modern Ford GT appeals to investors priced out of Ferrari’s multimillion-dollar tier, while still offering exclusivity
Why it matters: Collectors see Ford GTs as the “smart buy” — strong pedigree without Ferrari’s sky-high entry point.
Final Thoughts
Ford may have built the GT40 out of revenge, but its legacy as a collectible stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Ferrari’s icons. For buyers, the decision often comes down to scale: do you want a $400k modern GT with racing heritage, or a multimillion-dollar Ferrari legend?
Either way, both brands prove that motorsport DNA and limited production are the ultimate drivers of long-term value.
FAQ
Is the Ford GT a good investment?
Yes. Both the 2005 and 2017 Ford GTs have appreciated significantly, with special editions commanding over $1M.
Why are Ferraris more expensive than Fords?
Ferraris benefit from extreme rarity, brand prestige, and global demand, pushing their values higher than comparable Fords.
Which is more collectible: Ford GT40 or Ferrari 250 GTO?
Both are icons, but the 250 GTO is rarer and has broken all-time auction records, while GT40s remain strong seven-figure investments.
Will the Ford GT continue to rise in value?
With limited production runs and Le Mans heritage, Ford GTs are likely to remain highly collectible with steady appreciation.
Track live Ford and Ferrari auction results with the CarClimb app
