One to Buy: ex-FoMoCo 1967 Ford GT40 Mk1 Press Car
Although the Lamborghini Miura and De Tomaso Mangusta are frequently cited as pioneers of the large displacement mid-engined supercar, Ford started building GT40s for road use back in early 1965.
The decision to offer a 4.7-litre GT40 in road trim came about as Ford wanted to homologate the Mk1 into the Group 4 racing category which came into effect for 1966. At least 50 examples of a machine had to have been constructed to qualify and, as the market for race cars was limited, Ford elected to broaden the GT40’s appeal by introducing a more refined variant for street use.
Compared to the competition version, street GT40s typically came with softer suspension, more comfortable cockpits and de-tuned properly silenced engines although in reality any combination of parts could be ordered according to a customer’s requirements.
31 Mk1 GT40s were completed as road cars, to road trim, seven of which were commissioned by Ford for display at dealerships and shows to publicise Ford’s victory at the 1966 Le Mans 24 Hours.
One of these was chassis P/1069 which is currently on offer with Fiskens in central London.
Presented in its handsome original colour scheme of Blue Mink with black upholstery, P/1069 was the 1967 Geneva Motor Show car and subsequently went on to form part of Ford UK’s press fleet. During this time it appeared in several magazine road tests and was driven by the likes of Graham Hill.
Today the car is offered in superb restored condition having recently been returned to its original configuration after several years in race trim.
Reprinted below is Fiskens’ description for this wonderful Mk1 GT40 road car:
Supplied by Shelby American for display at the 1967 Geneva Motor Show
Used as part of the prestigious Ford England Press Fleet around the UK and test driven by Graham Hill
Period owners include first owner Anthony Bamford, Bruce Ropner and marque specialist John Etheridge
Recently returned to original road specification and factory sheet colour of Blue Mink
Accompanied by a full report by marque expert Ronnie Spain
