4 Minutes
Rare Ford GT Development Mule Heads to Auction
Ford is putting a remarkable piece of its engineering history up for sale: a 2017 pre-production Ford GT development mule. Unlike the customer-built GTs that found homes with collectors, this car began life as an internal testbed and was never intended for public ownership or road use. Now, however, Barrett-Jackson will offer the carbon-bodied mule at a no-reserve Scottsdale auction, with proceeds benefiting the Ford Heritage Fleet.
What makes this prototype special?
Built in late 2015 during the early engineering program for the second-generation Ford GT, this mule was created specifically for powertrain development and calibration. It wasn’t designed to be pretty — it was designed to work. That shows in its bare, dry carbon-fiber body and hand-built components. The structure combines a carbon-fiber passenger cell with aluminum front and rear subframes, giving engineers a lightweight but strong platform for testing.
A distinct teardrop silhouette and active aerodynamic elements reveal the development priorities: maximizing downforce while minimizing drag. The prototype features a curved windshield and aerodynamic touches tuned for performance validation rather than showroom appeal.
Key mechanical features
- Powertrain: Ford twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The auction listing does not disclose horsepower or torque figures.
- Suspension: Racing-style torsion bar and pushrod setup with adjustable ride height for track and calibration work.
- Wheels & Tires: 20-inch wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires.
- Brakes: Carbon ceramic rotors for high-performance stopping power.
Inside, the cabin is pure race intent. The doors swing upward to reveal a single fixed carbon-fiber driver seat, adjustable pedals, a digital display, and an F1-style steering wheel. There is no passenger seat — the mule was configured for driver-only testing and telemetry.
Important ownership notes
This is not a road-legal car. The prototype cannot be registered or insured for public roads, which limits its use to display, museum exhibition, private collections, or closed-course track events. Prospective buyers should be experienced with owning a specialized, non-homologated vehicle and be prepared for ownership responsibilities related to display and track operation.
Market context and collector appeal
Prototypes and development mules rarely reach the open market. Automakers typically scrap or preserve such cars internally for documentation. When one does appear at auction, it attracts interest from museums, serious collectors, and enthusiasts who value provenance and engineering significance as much as aesthetics.
This mule’s connection to the 50th-anniversary program for Ford’s 1966 Le Mans victory adds historical cachet. It represents a step in the engineering evolution that produced the production second-generation Ford GT — a car already prized by collectors for its technology and racing pedigree.
Auction details and charity
- Auction house: Barrett-Jackson
- Location: Scottsdale auction (no-reserve)
- Beneficiary: All proceeds will go to the Ford Heritage Fleet
A no-reserve sale means the car will sell to the highest bidder, so it could fetch a significant sum depending on collector interest. Given the mule’s rarity, hand-built components, and race-focused specification, expect keen bidding from buyers who prioritize authenticity and engineering provenance.
Final thoughts
This 2017 Ford GT mule is less about concours looks and more about the engineering story behind one of Ford’s most celebrated modern supercars. For collectors who value authentic development cars and museums seeking a hands-on exhibit of GT engineering, this offering is an uncommon chance to own a tangible piece of Ford’s development history. Just remember: ownership means display or track use only — no license plates, no public roads.
"It’s a piece of the GT story that would otherwise have been scrapped. For the right buyer, that matters as much as horsepower."
Source: autoevolution
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