First GT, owner Ex Ford Director?

[ThatPhilBrettGuy]

Anyone know the chaps name who owns the first GT? Ex Ford Director I believe? Met him yesterday in the Bahamas. Very nice man and obviously has a passion for cars.

 

[dbk]

First production GT offered for sale to the public was bought by Jon Shirley, who was a Microsoft exec. Leno's was second. If it was an ex-Ford guy it could have been Nick Scheele or Jim Padilla.

 

[ThatPhilBrettGuy]

First production GT offered for sale to the public was bought by Jon Shirley, who was a Microsoft exec. Leno's was second. If it was an ex-Ford guy it could have been Nick Scheele or Jim Padilla.

Thanks. Was told after lunch today it was Michael Dingman. Said I've got to win the Bahamas Speed Week Hillclimb and Sprint for Ford. No pressure then....

 

[djs]

Michael Dingman, as in Henley Group, as in Wheelabrator, as in Frye Copysystems, etc.? The Forbes 400 member? He was a director at Ford at one time. Big $$$. You travel in good circles.

 

[ThatPhilBrettGuy]

Michael Dingman, as in Henley Group, as in Wheelabrator, as in Frye Copysystems, etc.? The Forbes 400 member? He was a director at Ford at one time. Big $$$. You travel in good circles.

Yup, that's him. I think I did ok on the hill today, but there are some other serious race cars around and very good drivers. Rob Walton, Bill Pope. Peter Vlasov and many other great guys, all with Sir Stirling Moss. Shows all cars nuts get on, regardless of the level.

 

[cobra498]

Yup, that's him. I think I did ok on the hill today, but there are some other serious race cars around and very good drivers. Rob Walton, Bill Pope. Peter Vlasov and many other great guys, all with Sir Stirling Moss. Shows all cars nuts get on, regardless of the level.

Michael is a very good driver, I worked with him at Road Atlanta when I was with Ford Engineering and we were analyzing data from his Trans am car. He put down some very competitive laps during the test session and was great to work with.

 

[ThatPhilBrettGuy]

Well hopefully I've made him proud

More on the whole thing and results when I get back to the UK!