1969 Ford GT40 Coupe

The Ford GT40 was born when Henry Ford was spurned in his attempt to buy Ferrari in 1963. He vowed to unseat the Italian automobile legend from its dominant position in international endurance racing. This the GT40 did convincingly, winning Le Mans in 1966, 1967, 1968, and 1969 as well as Daytona, Sebring, and a host of other local and international events.

GT40 P/1083 was the last of the 48 MKI production race coupes to be constructed and sold as a finished race car, and is also the only GT40 to be sold directly by the factory. It was finished in Carnival Red to race specifications similar to the JWA-built LeMans-winning #1075, with lightweight roof, 5-liter engine with Gurney Weslake heads and Weber carbs, ZF-5speed transaxle, and JWAE/BRM 10-inch and 12-inch wheels. It was first tested at Thruxton, UK, in 1969 by David Hobbs.

In 1969, #1083 was sold to 'Team Colegio Arte E Instrucao' in Rio de Janeiro, owned by Sidney Cardoso, and raced by 'Team Cai' in 1969-1971.

Results:
11/69 - Campeonato de Rio de Janeiro (1st)
12/69 - Mil Quilometros da Guanabara (DNF)
1/71 - First Stage, GP de Sao Paulo (2nd)
Second Stage, GP de Sao Paulo (5th)

In 1971, #1083 was sold to Wilson Fittipaldi, fitted with 14-inch rear wheels (similar to #1075) and raced intermittently - five or six times in 10 years - under Bardahl sponsorship. Specific venues are unknown, but, according to Fittipaldi Racing, #1083 achieved podium finishes in all races entered, usually driven by Fittipaldi, and once by Carlos Pace. It was also used as a road car by Fittipaldi.

In 1982, #1083 was sold via Emerson Fittipaldi and Adrian Hamilton to George Stauffer, Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, and was vintage raced extensively by Stauffer. In 1992, #1083 was sold to Jim George, Mt. Clemens, Michigan, who had the tub restored by Bob Ash, and also vintage raced the car occasionally.

In 2002, #1083 was sold to Archie Urciuoli, Casey Key, Florida. The engine, running gear and cosmetics were restored to the original 1969 configuration by Bob Ash (F.A.V. Co.) and Jeff Sime (Jeff*Works). The car has since been actively raced by Urciuoli at various historic events, including the Monterey Historics, Lime Rock, Watkins Glen, and the Le Mans Classic.

GT40 P/1083 was the last original GT-40 to be constructed and sold as a completed race car, with specs identical to the 1968 and 1969 LeMans-winning car. Sold to 'Team Colegio Arte e Instrucao' in Rio de Janeiro, owned by Sideny Cardoso, in 1969. Raced by Team CAI in 1969-1971. Sold to Fittipaldi Racing in 1971, and raced several times under Bardahl sponsorship. Achieved podium finished in all races entered, usually driven by Wilson Fittipaldi, and occasionally used by Fittipaldi as a road car. This car was purchased by its current owner in 2002, and restored to its original 1969 configuration. It has been raced since at various historic venues, including LeMans Classic, Lime Rock Vintage Festival, Monterey Historics, Mont Tremblant and Watkins Glen.

The car is painted Carnival Red and came with a lightweight roof, 302 V8 with Gurney heads and Weber carburetors and 5-speed ZF transaxle. It was first driven by David Hobbs at Thruxton. Carlos Pace and Wilson Fittipaldi drove the car to many podiums. George Stauffer purchased it in 1982 and raced it, selling it in 1992 to Jim George. After tub restoration by FAV Company it was sold to Archie Urciuoli who raced it some more.