FIA Sports Prototypes – 2004 Market & Price Guide

The FIA sports prototypes were some of the most exciting purpose-built racing cars ever designed. They competed under the regulations set fourth by the FIA (Federation International Automobile) in the International Championship of Makes from 1964-1971, and the World Championship of Makes from 1972-1981. The regulations changed somewhat as the years passed—5.0-liter engines then 3.0-liter engines, etc.—but the concept remained the same, to allow manufacturers to design the most fascinating, technically advanced sports racing cars the world had seen. The resulting World Championship was played out on some of the world’s greatest circuits and in some of the most historic endurance events including the Le Mans 24-Hours, Nürburgring, Spa and Monza 1000km and the Targa Florio. Alfa Romeo, Alpine Renault, Ferrari, Ford, Lola, Matra, and Porsche, all designed very lightweight, successful sports prototypes to compete in the World Championship. From their efforts came such seminal cars as the Alfa Romeo Tipo 33, Ferrari 512M, Ford GT40, Matrale 70, and Porsche 917. Today FIA sports prototypes qualify to race in many great historic events such as the Le Mans 24 Hour Classic and Monterey Historics. Due to their technology, great designs, eligibility, and low production number, FIA sports prototypes have steadily been increasing in value.

1965 Ford GT40 Mark I

In 1963, Ford Motor Company decided that it wanted to make its mark on international motorsports, in particular, to win the World Championship of Makes and the ultimate race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans. After a failed attempt at the purchase of Ferrari—and driven by the dreams of Henry Ford—a design team based in England was put together and in 1964 the first Ford GT took part in competition. It featured monocoque construction and was powered by a 5.0-liter carbureted V-8, a sturdy 5-speed ZF gearbox, four wheel disc brakes, and independent suspension. Although heavy, it was reliable and fast and became known as the GT40. GT40 Mk.1 evolved into the Mk.2 and the J4 7 Liter cars. These impressive car won the Le Mans 24 Hours outright in 1966, 1967, 1968, and 1969, and became Ford’s most important racing car ever designed. GT4 Mk.1 Gulf Team cars easily surpass the values of the price guide.

1970 Porsche 917K

Prior to construction of the 917, Porsche had been racing smaller displacement 2.0-liter and 3.0-liter cars. However, their answer to the Ford GT40’s domination of Le Mans in the late ’60s was to build a 5.0-liter car of their own. Porsche’s ultimate weapon was the 917K. It had a tube frame chassis with a lightweight, aerodynamic, fiberglass body, and under panels bonded to it. The engine was a flat 12-cylinder, 4.9-liter, producing an amazing 635 bhp. It had a sturdy Porsche-built, four- or five-speed gearbox and limited slip differential. The 917K was the ultimate example of Porsche’s design and engineering excellence. It won the Le Mans 24 Hours in 1970 and 1971 and so dominated sports prototype racing, that it caused the FIA to change the rules in 1972 to only allow 3.0-liter cars.

Criteria Used For Assessing Valuations for this Guide:

• Degree of Originality
• Overall Condition, Restoration
• Technology, Design, Coachbuilder
• Production Numbers/Rarity
• Competition History
• Ownership History, Documentation
• Modern Event Eligibility

Regional Variances

The prices stated in this guide are based on U.S. values. The values of historic racing cars can vary as much as 25%-35% in other countries, depending on local market appeal, currency rates, import duties, and VAT. Most of the time, we are able to document known sales or closed escrows, as they say in real estate. When this is not possible, a logical estimate of the car’s value is given, based on its sales history and relationship to cars of its type.

The prices stated in this guide are based on U.S. values. The values of historic racing cars can vary as much as 25%-35% in other countries, depending on local market appeal, currency rates, import duties, and VAT.