Rare Ford GT40 Found In Southern California Garage

Home  >  WOT  >  Rare Ford GT40 Found In Southern California Garage We've all heard of the proverbial "barn find" where a highly sought-after or extremely rare classic car is found in a barn, warehouse or garage where it's sat for decades forgotten or neglected, to be suddenly discovered by a sleuthing gearhead. Although these discoveries aren't exactly an everyday occurrence, they happen often enough that it gives collectors a glimmer of hope finding something rare that they can sell or build up into a concourse-worthy ride. This rare Ford GT40 Mk I chassis was found in a suburban Los Angeles garage, surrounded by various garage junk, and with a wooden frame seemingly built around it. The car was last driven in 1977, when an engine failure sidelined the car, and an injury kept the owner off the track for decades. At a recent meeting of the Friends of Steve McQueen car show, the car was dug out of its garage. Based on the photos on The Gentleman Racer Web site, it appears most of the critical components are present and accounted for, including an extra set of tires, the engine (in need of rebuilding) and a set of headers. A close look at the car shows the name "Salt Walther" on the door. Walther was a well-known racer in the 1970s, and was involved in a serious accident at the 1973. Walther suffered severe burns on 40 percent of his body, but returned to compete in the 1974 Indy 500, where he finished in 17th place. Photos Courtesy of John Shaughnessy, and The Gentleman Racer Source: Mustangs & Fords, The Gentleman Racer