One to Buy: 1st of 31 ex-James Fielding 1966 Ford GT40 Mk1
When they FIA announced that a new regularity framework would come into effect for the 1966 season, Ford spotted an opportunity to recoup some cash from the expensive GT40 programme and also make the car eligible for a second category.
In addition to the seven-litre Mk2 Group 6 Prototype which would form the basis for the company’s primary target (victory Le Mans, Daytona and Sebring), the GT40 would be offered in 4.7-litre Mk1 trim to contest the Group 4 Sports category.
To qualify, at least 50 cars had to be built and, in order to broaden the GT40’s appeal, Ford Advanced Vehicles (FAV) developed a street version that featured a smattering of comfort equipment.
Just 31 examples of the road-equipped GT40 were ultimately produced, one of which will be going under the hammer at Mecum’s Kissimmee auction on January 18th.
Chassis P/1034 was the first GT40 road car to leave the FAV facility in Slough. Configured in the lovely colour scheme of Pine Green with black upholstery, it was completed in late 1965 and then delivered in March 1966 to James Fielding, the Chairman of engineering company Heenan & Froude. Among its various business activities, Heena & Froude manufactured the the engine dynamometers used by Ford and Shelby.
P/1031 was handed over by Ford Motor Company ambassador, Jackie Stewart, and remained with James Fielding until 1971 at which point he exchanged the GT40 for a Rolls-Royce with his neighbour, Paul Weldon.
Having been raced at various times between the 1970s and early 2000s, P/1031 has since been restored to its original configuration and is offered complete with a January 1966 dated engine that has accompanied the car throughout its life.
Reprinted below is Mecum’s description:
P/1034
1 of 31 MkI Road Cars produced
P/1034 was the first Road Car delivered to a private owner and the first Road Car delivered to the U.K.
Construction was completed in late 1965 with a delivery date of March, 17 1966
Restored to original specifications
Ford 289 CI HiPo V-8 engine built by Mathwall Engineering and dyno tested at 335 HP
Four Weber 48IDA carburetors
ZF 5DS-25 5-speed transaxle
P/1034 retains many original components including its original body panels which had traveled with the car as spares but were refitted in 2019, as well as its original tub and transmission, something very rare for a GT40, especially one that was raced per marque expert Ronnie Spain
Offered with an additional January 1966 dated engine that has accompanied the car throughout its life
Ordered without rocker stripes
Sold to James Fielding chairman of Heenan & Froude, the company that manufactured the dynamometers used by Shelby for testing GT40s
The car was delivered to him by then Ford Motor Company ambassador Jackie Stewart
In 1971 the car was acquired by Fielding's neighbor Paul Weldon in exchange for a Rolls-Royce
Weldon raced the car throughout the early 1970s and was one of the first members of the GT40 Owners Club
The car was brought to Australia in 1975 and was raced at the Amaroo Park in 1980
Repainted in the Gulf color scheme of the Le Mans winning GT40 P/1075 in 1985
The car was raced in the Adelaide Grand Prix Support Historic Race in 1985 and 1986
Completed the Copperstate 1000 drive by Rob Walton in 1993
Brought to Germany in 1995 and used in historic races by then-owner Peter Rössler including winning the Stuttgart Grand Prix at the Hockenheimring in 1999
Brought back to Australia in 1999 by David Bowden where it was road registered and used in historic races and took part in Ford Australia's 75th Anniversary celebration
The car was repainted the original color of Pine Green with added Silver stripes in 2001 and remained a prominent part of the Bowden collection being used in magazine and TV appearances for their car care company until 2012 when it was sold and brought to California
The car was subsequently brought back to Europe and was acquired by the current owner from D.K. Engineering in 2021
Shown at Brands Hatch Concours, Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and won the Chairman's Award at Salon Privé Concours at Blenheim Palace
Issued FIA Historic Vehicle Identity Form papers in 1997 listing the year of manufacture as 1965 as production had begun in 1965 but the car was not delivered until 1966, making the car eligible for competition as a 1965 model
Eligible for historic race meetings including the Goodwood Revival and Le Mans Classic
History dossier by marque expert Ronnie Spain
Binder of vehicle history
