1969 Ford GT40 Competition Coupe
s/n GT/40P 1083
Carnival Red with Period Livery and Black Interior

The Ford GT 40 is one of the greatest race cars from one of the greatest racing periods. The 1960’s were the time of the famous Ford-Ferrari wars at Le Mans and in the World Sports Car championship, and purportedly, the GT 40’s existence arose out of Ford’s desire and then failure to purchase Ferrari. What ensued is one of the greatest motorsports battles of all time, between Ferrari, who had won Le Mans six consecutive times (1960-1965), and Ford, who then won Le Mans four consecutive times (1966-1969), proving that they too could compete at an international level. Consequently, given the cars’ competition pedigree and beautiful styling, these cars have become highly sought after as collector’s pieces, as well as mounts for international historic competition.

The chassis offered here, s/n P/1083, was sold new to Brazilian Sidney Cardoso of C.A.I. (Colegio Arte e Instrucao) Racing team in Rio de Janeiro. The car was the last true Competition coupe sold by Ford, and the only chassis number to have been advertised by the Works prior to delivery. As a late production example, this car benefited from all the development and knowledge gained from Ford’s racing efforts to date, and it is therefore no surprise that it was equipped almost identically to the two-time Lemans winning team car, s/n P/1075, with a 289 C.I.D. competition engine, Gurney-Weslake Mk. I heads, a ZF 5-speed transaxle, and 10” front and 12” rear wheels. Having been tested at Thruxton in May of 1969 by David Hobbs, s/n P/1083 was painted carnival red and delivered to Brazil by boat in late 1969.

Raced under the banner of “Team C.A.I.” until late 1970, and driven by Sidney Cardoso, this chassis proved successful right from the start winning in its first outing in Rio de Janeiro, and accumulating several podiums finishes during Cardoso’s ownership.

$2,900,000