Dean Jefferies and GT Roadster 109

During the early to mid-1960s, Dean Jefferies worked closely with Ford Motor Company and maintained relationships within Ford Special Projects. He was near the center of the GT40 program at a time when prototypes, spares, and unused cars were treated as working assets rather than collectibles. Jefferies later recounted acquiring GT Roadster chassis GT/109, along with a substantial stockpile of spare parts—a story now recognized as one of the best-known chapters in GT40 history.

After the 1965 24 Hours of Le Mans, GT/109 was returned to Shelby American, repaired, and later sent to Kar Kraft for J-Car development. It ultimately returned to Ford in Michigan, where it sat alongside other retired prototypes and experimental vehicles.

As documented by Tom Cotter, Jefferies encountered the roadster while assisting A. J. Foyt at Ford’s wind tunnel near Detroit. Missing its engine and transmission, the car—along with a wide assortment of spare components—was made available to Jefferies by Jacques Passino.

GT/109 was restored and completed in 2003 and later appeared at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion during Ford’s centennial celebration. Often described by Jefferies as his “favorite toy,” GT/109 remained in his ownership until his passing in 2013.

Provenance

This Roadster was built using original, period-correct GT Roadster parts, many of which trace back to the parts collection assembled when GT/109 was discovered at Ford by Dean Jefferies. Dean and friends—including Carroll Shelby, Lee Holman, A. J. Foyt, Red Hardin, and others—continued to collect GT Roadster and GT40 components over the years in preparation for the restoration.

As many of the individuals directly involved with this Roadster’s early history are no longer with us, what is known today comes from long-standing accounts, research, and conversations with those familiar with this car, GT/109, and with GT40 experts and historians.

Over the years, several stories have been shared regarding this car’s early identity. One account suggests that two incomplete GT Roadsters accompanied the original parts collected from Ford at the time GT/109 was recovered, and that this Roadster may have been associated with a specific chassis, including references to chassis 111. Another story suggests the car may have been used as a tire-test vehicle during the period. These accounts are presented here as part of the car’s long-standing narrative, without assertion or conclusion.

Although no factory documentation has surfaced to assign a chassis number, leading GT40 experts do not dispute the authenticity, specification, or period-correct construction of this Roadster.

Serious inquiries are invited, and International buyers are welcome.