Iconic 1965 Ford Racer that starred in Top Gear is so rare only two in the world exist – but could be yours at auction

THE iconic 1965 Ford Racer that starred in Top Gear is heading up for auction, and it could be yours.

The eye-catching racing car has been dubbed one of the most “historically significant” GT40s to ever go under the hammer.

The P1018 has been meticulously restored to its striking maroon design, and features a contrasting white stripe detail along the side panels.

Its interior is in excellent condition – with an impressive dashboard filled with dials and switches.

And if you want to know how the racer is powered you only have to lift up the back of the car to reveal its spectacular engine.

But what makes this car extra special is that it is one of just two GT40s constructed to this spec.

It was also the first to feature the three-hole chassis panel – which later became standard.

And what's more – the car up for grabs is one of only two GT40s driven by racing legend Carroll Shelby.

Specified by Shelby himself, the vehicle was built as a race car and kept by Shelby and Ford for promotional purposes.

The Ford starred in an iconic promotional photo shoot in 1965 with on its press tour.

Carroll was pictured behind the wheel with a beaming Miss Santa Monica in the passenger seat.

It was housed alongside the retired Daytona Coupes at Shelby's Los Angeles premises.

The auction listing reminisces on the car's history: “This was the heart and soul of Shelby American that ushered in the GT40's heyday.”

The listing adds that Less than a year after its arrival, Ford and Shelby celebrated their first Le Mans victory in 1966.

And Shelby loaned the vehicle to the MGM Grand, where it became an essential test camera car for the Grand Prix.

The motor enthusiasts among you may also recognise this legendary car from Top Gear.

The Ford GT40 appeared in an episode of Top Gear, where it outperformed a modern Noble in a head-to-head battle against none other than The Stig.

But that's not where its fame stops.

The racer shot to Hollywood fame after it appeared in the classic TV show The Man from U.N.C.L.E in 1967.

Its cameo appearance was in an episode titled The THRUSH Roulette Affair, where a charming agent Napoleon Solo uncovers the secrets of a private life-or-death roulette game.

The car has had a number of owners since Shelby.

Racing legend David Piper owned the car from 1971 to 1973.

It was then exported to Australia where it was looked after by motor enthusiast Laurie O'Neil, before heading to Japan under the ownership of Yojiro Nakamura and Saguro Kato.

In 1989, the car returned to the United States, remaining in American hands for another ten years.

In 2001, it was acquired by endurance racing champion Ray Bellm.

The car went on to become a dominant force in historic racing, securing 11 wins from 13 starts at Le Mans Classic and claiming victory in the 2007 Goodwood Revival Whitsun Trophy.

In 2012, it was demonstrated by five-time Le Mans winner Emanuele Pirro, while Sam Hancock piloted it to a third-place finish in the Whitsun Trophy at the 75th Members Meeting.

More recently, it was exhibited at the 2022 Heveningham Concours and featured in the Carroll Shelby Parade at the 2023 Goodwood Revival.

It now makes annual appearances at prestigious events such as the Le Mans Classic, Tour Auto, and Daytona Classic 24 Hours.

The Ford is for sale with Fiskens Historic Automobiles based in London, England, for an undisclosed price.

The seller gushed about the car's Hollywood glamour and motorsport pedigree.

The listing reads: “Freshly restored to its original specification, this GT40 is a truly significant piece of motorsport and Hollywood history.”