Car enthusiasts and collectors alike have their sights set on Mecum Kissimmee 2025, where a 1966 Ford GT40 MkI Road Car, chassis P/1034, is poised to steal the show. This exceptionally rare example of Ford’s GT40 legacy is one of only 31 MkI road cars ever built and comes with a history as rich and fascinating as its engineering pedigree.
A Groundbreaking Beginning –
P/1034 holds a unique place in GT40 history. It was the first road car delivered to a private customer, James Fielding, on March 17, 1966. As the chairman of Heenan & Froude, a firm closely tied to GT40 development through its dynamometer technology, Fielding was no stranger to Ford’s groundbreaking innovation. The car was handed over by none other than racing legend Jackie Stewart, who served as a Ford ambassador at the time.
Factory-finished in Pine Green, the car was ordered without rocker stripes and outfitted with distinctive luxury touches like leather seats, door pouches, and carpeting, blending the GT40’s race-bred DNA with road-going refinement. Its 289 CI HiPo V-8 engine, paired with a ZF 5-speed transaxle, delivered exhilarating performance, augmented by four Weber 48IDA carburetors.
A Life of Racing and Restoration –
P/1034’s story didn’t end with its delivery. It spent decades as a competitive racer and showpiece, making its mark across continents. In the early 1970s, it was raced by its second owner, Paul Weldon, who also became one of the founding members of the GT40 Owners Club. Weldon later altered the car’s color to British Racing Green and raced it extensively in the U.K., even clinching a GT40 concours win at Brands Hatch in 1973.
By the mid-1970s, the car found a new home in Australia, where it participated in numerous historic racing events and gained fame for its Gulf-inspired livery. Over the years, it moved through the hands of prestigious collectors and racers, including Rob Walton and David Bowden, before its full-circle return to Europe.
Remarkable Originality –
What makes P/1034 stand out is its incredible preservation of original components, a rarity for a GT40 with an extensive racing pedigree. The car retains its original tub, ZF 5-speed transaxle, and body panels, which were reinstalled in 2019 after serving as spares. It even comes with an additional January 1966-dated engine that has accompanied the car throughout its life.
Restored to factory specifications, the car is now presented in its original Pine Green with silver stripes. Its engine, rebuilt by Mathwall Engineering, delivers 335 horsepower, ensuring the car’s performance is as formidable as its history.
Concours and Competition-Ready –
Issued with FIA Historic Vehicle Identity Form papers, P/1034 is eligible for premier events like the Goodwood Revival and Le Mans Classic. It has dazzled onlookers at prestigious Concours events, including Pebble Beach and Salon Privé, where it won the Chairman’s Award.
A Star Awaits Its Next Chapter –
This 1966 Ford GT40 MkI Road Car represents a unique opportunity for collectors. Its unmatched provenance, race-ready capabilities, and timeless design make it a crown jewel for any enthusiast lucky enough to secure it. Mecum Kissimmee 2025 offers the chance to own a true automotive icon—a car that bridges the gap between motorsport legend and road-going masterpiece.
