The 1967 Ford GT40 Mk I represents a rare moment where a racing titan met the open road. Born from Henry Ford II’s desire to beat Ferrari, this car is a documented masterpiece. While the racing versions won Le Mans four times, the road cars offered a different kind of prestige. Chassis P/1058 is one of only 31 examples finished with road-going specifications from the factory. This makes it significantly rarer than many contemporary Italian sports cars of the same era.
A Transatlantic Heritage of Speed
This specific chassis began its life at the Ford Advanced Vehicles factory in Slough, United Kingdom. It was famously captured in a factory photo before being shipped to Dearborn in December 1966. Ford used the car for publicity, showcasing the sheer performance potential of the Blue Oval. It eventually arrived at the legendary Tasca Ford dealership for the Mustang’s third anniversary. There, it stood alongside the 428 Cobra Jet prototype and racing driver Mario Andretti.
The car wears its original factory shade of Carmen Red over a black leather-trimmed interior. Unlike the stripped-out racers, this Mk I features door pockets, an ashtray, and a carpeted floor. These amenities did little to mask the car’s aggressive racing intent and low-slung profile. It retains the signature 1058 riveted tags across several original body panels today.
Ownership History and Technical Care
The history of P/1058 is a transparent chain of enthusiasts and high-profile collectors. Notable owners include racing school founder Skip Barber and long-term steward Harvey Siegel. In the early 2000s, the car received a mechanical refresh by Harley Cluxton III. This work returned the car to its authentic appearance while maintaining its high-performance edge. It has since won class awards at prestigious concours events across the United States.
Legendary 289 V-8 Performance Specs
The mechanical heart of this machine is the iconic 289 cubic-inch High Performance V-8 engine. It features original sand-cast Weber carburetors that provide a visceral and immediate throttle response. This powerplant is paired with a five-speed ZF transaxle for precise gear changes on the limit. The setup produces roughly 306 horsepower, though its lightweight chassis makes it feel much faster. It reaches a top speed of 164 mph, a staggering figure for 1967 road use.
Summary of a Motorsport Benchmark
The 1967 Ford GT40 Mk I remains a cornerstone of American automotive achievement on the global stage. It bridges the gap between a pure-bred prototype racer and a refined collector’s piece. With a known history and exceptional documentation, P/1058 stands as a definitive benchmark for the model. Owning one is a rare privilege that few collectors will ever experience. It serves as a permanent reminder of Ford’s dominance during the golden age of racing.
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Source: rmsothebys.com
