SALON PRIVÉ CONCOURS: RARE FORD GT40

Some of the most revered cars – revolutionary veterans and stylish post-vintage thoroughbreds to famous post-war competition cars, will be showcased at SALON PRIVÉ CONCOURS: RARE FORD GT40 presented by AXA.

SALON PRIVÉ CONCOURS: RARE FORD GT40The Concours lineup is set to provide a welcome challenge to the judges – led by ICJAG President of the Jury Ed Gilbertson – on the finely manicured lawns of Blenheim Palace. It took a long time for someone to end Ferrari’s domination of endurance sports car racing, and in the end it was Ford that did it with the iconic GT40. Driven by the likes of Bruce McLaren, Chris Amon, Pedro Rodriguez and Jacky Ickx, the GT40 won the Le Mans 24 Hours four years in a row from 1966 until 1969.

Beginning in 1965, Ford authorized the conversion of a limited number of Mark I GT40 racecars into road cars. Not to be confused with the later Mark III, these were very much based on the racers. They retained the race-prepared high-performance 289 cubic-inch V8 fitted with four Weber carburetors, but gained a few cursory creature comforts. Only 31 were made and chassis number 1034 was the fourth of those but the first to be delivered to a private owner, the previous three having been retained by Ford for promotional duties. In early 1966, none other than Jackie Stewart handed it over to that first custodian –James Fielding. Unique touches included the fitment of grilles over the radiator air-exit ducts on the nose, and 1034 has been described by GT40 authority Ronnie Spain as ‘one of the most original GT40s out there’.

SALON PRIVÉ CONCOURS: RARE FORD GT40Salon Privé Chairman Andrew Bagley said: “Every year, we welcome the world’s greatest cars to Blenheim Palace, and 2020 is going to be no different. Not only will the finest marques in automotive history be represented in the Concours d’Elégance, we will be showcasing rare – and in some cases unique – cars that have never been seen before on these shores. Our chosen specialists and marque experts will really have their work cut out with the judging process.”

With no fewer than 21 new automotive models also being unveiled (of which four are global premieres), unrivalled hospitality, and the chance to indulge in some retail therapy courtesy of luxury brands offering everything from Boodles jewelry to fine fragrance, travel, aviation and interior design, this year’s Salon Privé Week promises to be the best yet!

For more information about SALON PRIVÉ CONCOURS: RARE FORD GT40, 23-26 September 2020, please visit https://www.salonpriveconcours.com/

Check out this SALON PRIVÉ CONCOURS video @ https://youtu.be/LSK_gySyznw