Historical Context

In the early 1960s, Ford sought to assert its presence in international motorsport, targeting the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans—a race where Ferrari had established a formidable reign. The Ford GT40 project was conceived to create a vehicle capable of not only competing with but surpassing Ferrari's prowess. The designation "GT" signifies Grand Touring, while "40" references the car's height of 40 inches, a design optimized for aerodynamic efficiency and speed.

 

Chassis P/1012: Comprehensive Racing History

  • Delivered to Shelby American on August 6, 1965

  • 1966 Daytona 24 Hours (February 5-6, 1966):  P/1012 (#96) debuted under the Shelby American team, driven by Chris Amon and Bruce McLaren. Despite qualifying challenges that placed them seventh on the grid, McLaren's exceptional driving propelled the car to a 5th place overall finish, showcasing the GT40's potential.

  • 1966 Le Mans Test Weekend (April 1966):  The car participated in the official test sessions for the 24 Hours of Le Mans being driven by Ken Miles. This performance underscored its competitiveness and the effectiveness of Ford's engineering advancements.

  • 1966 Spa 1000 Kilometers (May 22, 1966):  Loaned to Alan Mann Racing, P/1012 (#4) was driven by John Whitmore and Frank Gardner. The duo secured a 2nd place finish, further establishing the car's reliability and performance across diverse racing conditions.

  • 1966 Le Mans 24 Hours (June 18-19, 1966):  Served as a spare car.  While not competing in the main race, P/1012 played a crucial support role contributing to Ford's historic 1-2-3 finish that year.

  • 1967 Daytona 24 Hours (February 4-5, 1967):  In its final major race, P/1012 (#1), driven by Bruce McLaren and Lucien Bianchi, finished 7th overall. The only MKII to finish the race.

  • 1967 Daytona International Raceway (March 21, 1967):  Damaged by driver Peter Revson in an accident during an endurance test in preparation for the 1967 Le Mans race.

  

Documented Drivers

1966 Ford GT40 MKII P/1012 has been driven by the best drivers of that time:

  • Bruce McLaren (1966 and 1967 Daytona 24 hours)

  • Chris Amon (1966 Daytona 24 hours)

  • Jackie Stewart and Graham Hill (1966 Le Mans tests)

  • Lucien Bianchi (1966 Le Mans tests, 1967 Daytona 24 hours)

  • Ken Miles (extensive testing end of 1965 and 1966, Le Mans Test)

  • Peter Revson (March 1967, during private tests at Daytona).

Restoration and Provenance

 Post-retirement, P/1012 experienced a period of dormancy until 1970, when it was acquired by Don Davis of California. Recognizing its historical significance, he attempted to restore the damaged chassis but had the opportunity to buy a new chassis (assigned chassis #1110) from JWA in UK and configure it to MKII specifications with parts from Holman & Moody. He sold the original chassis to Lyle Digness for payment for his help to build the new car. Mr Davis called this new car P/1012 but specified when he sold his car to Stanley Ross that it was Ford GT40 P/1012 (1110). The two cars are therefore clearly differentiated, confirmed by a French court.

The original 1012 chassis was then sent to the UK for restoration by GT40’s specialist (John Ethridge, Paul Weldon, Bryan Wingfield) until 1984. The restoration adhered strictly to the car’s original specifications, ensuring authenticity. Since then, P/1012 has been preserved in private collections, maintaining its historical integrity. It has also participated in large number of historic races in the USA and then in Europe (e.g., Le Mans Classic, Spa Classic, Goodwood, etc.).

The car's history is extensively documented by world-renowned GT40 expert Ronnie Spain in the following books:  

·      Ultimate Ford GT40: The Definitive History (Porter Press International, 2024) – Refer to pages 130-140 and P482.  

·      GT40: An Individual History and Race Record (Motorbooks International, 1986) – Refer to pages 66, 67, 85, 90, 92, 211, and 295.

 

Technical Specifications

·      Engine: 7.0-liter (427 cubic inches) Ford V8, producing approximately 485 horsepower.

·      Transmission: T-44 transaxle as originally engineered for endurance racing durability.

·      Chassis:  Steel monocoque design, providing structural rigidity and weight efficiency.

·      Bodywork: Fiberglass panels, designed for aerodynamic efficiency and ease of repair during races.

·      Performance:  Capable of exceeding 200 mph, with acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 4.2 seconds.

 

Rarity and Collectability

The 1966 Ford GT40 Mk II chassis P/1012 epitomizes exclusivity and historical significance in the realm of classic automobiles. P/1012 was a Ford factory team car, that was given to Shelby American to be converted into a 427 powered MKII. Of the hundred or so GT40s produced, there were only 8 GT40 MKIIs (+ 3 light version built by Alan Mann), which highlights the exceptional rarity of the P/1012, underscoring the exceptional rarity of P/1012. Its documented racing pedigree, association with legendary drivers, and meticulous restoration amplify its desirability among collectors.

 

Investment Potential

Investing in classic cars, particularly those with rich histories and limited availability like the GT40 Mk II, has proven to be a lucrative endeavor. The collector car market has demonstrated resilience and growth over the years, often outperforming traditional investment avenues. The Historic Automobile Group International (HAGI), a London-based research organization specializing in rare historic motorcars, has developed indices that track the performance of classic cars. These indices have shown consistent appreciation, reflecting the robust demand and investment potential in this sector.

Notably, the GT40's significance in automotive history has led to substantial appreciation in its market value. For instance, a similar GT40 Mk II model sold for $9,795,000 at an RM Sotheby's auction in 2018, setting a record at that time for the highest price paid for a GT40 at auction. The 1966 Le Mans winning MKII sold for an undisclosed amount but believed to be around $20,000,000. More recently, another GT40 Mk II fetched $13.2 million at the RM Sotheby's Miami auction in March 2025, underscoring the enduring demand and escalating value of these iconic vehicles.

The broader classic car market continues to thrive, with certain models experiencing significant appreciation. For example, the Ford Mustang, launched in 1964, has seen remarkable value increases, with early models now considered reliable investments. Additionally, industry experts have identified various classic cars expected to soar in value, highlighting the strong investment potential within this market.

Given its rarity, historical significance, and the robust performance of the classic car market, chassis P/1012 not only represents a prized collectible but also a sound investment opportunity.

 

Conclusion

The 1966 Ford GT40 Mk II chassis P/1012 is more than a classic car; it is a symbol of American innovation and racing heritage. Its storied past, combined with its rarity and professional restoration, makes it a prized possession for discerning collectors.

 

Inquiries

For further information or to express interest in acquiring this exceptional vehicle, please contact:  Email:  RareGT40@icloud.com