Ford GT P/1027 Film car from "Grand Prix" for sale.

[Superfly]

Very cool. http://www.classicdriver.com/uk/magazine/3300.asp?id=15230

New to Classic Driver: 1965 Ford GT40, the ‘Grand Prix’ film camera car

Just how did John Frankenheimer achieve those stunning car-to-car shots, brought to the cinema in very 1960s split-screen editing? Many of them were filmed from an adapted version of this very car, the ex-1966 Brussels Motor Show Ford GT40, a potent racing car converted to high-speed camera platform and, in recent years, a front-running, pre-66 historic racer. Classic Driver dealer Maxted-Page Ltd is offering chassis P/1027, now restored to its original Belgian yellow racing livery, and in tip-top racing condition, ready for action at the 2012 Le Mans Classic, the Tour Auto or any number of top events worldwide including – subject to invitation – the Goodwood Revival. In 2005, Sam Hancock drove it to victory in the Goodwood Revival Whitsun Trophy, setting a blistering lap record of 1:23.7 on the way. ‘Grand Prix’, directed by John Frankenheimer in 1966, is popularly considered one of the best motor racing films. It included much footage from the 1966 season, as well as some unforgettable acting by genuine Formula One drivers such as Graham Hill and the British broadcaster Raymond Baxter. Beneath a predictably preposterous plot, the action is fairly realistic and considerably enhanced by the high-speed stunts where stars such as James Garner (a very handy driver) followed the modified GT40, just inches away from the camera lens. The producers used professional drivers behind the wheel of the 200mph GT40 and it took real guts to maintain a realistic pace at a circuit such as Monza. After its vital, backstage role on the silver screen, P/1027 was sold by MGM to the Briggs Cunningham Automotive Museum in Costa Mesa, California, where it remained until the museum’s closure in the late 1990s. Arch enthusiast and doyen of the collecting world, Sir Anthony Bamford, then bought it, entrusting its race preperation to Gelscoe Motorsport who produced the Whitsun Trophy-winning machine you see here, all under the close supervision of long-term GT40 racer Willie Green. In 2006 it was sold to Lord Irvine Laidlaw who campaigned it – now in his familiar maroon/silver colour scheme, and run by the experienced Simon Hadfield – at the 2008 Le Mans Classic and at Dijon in 2009. Maxted-Page then sold it to the current owner, who returned it to its original livery and ran it just once, at the 2010 Le Mans Classic. Now equipped with new fuel bladders fitted by Premier Fuel systems (certificates available), in “totally race-ready condition” and with FIA HTP papers - Period F - and a full history file, the UK-duties-paid car represents the perfect opportunity for those looking for a potent historic racing car with fascinating history both in, and out, of period.

 

[Empty Pockets]

'Interesting piece! Thanks for posting it!

 

[6s219]

Did all the original cars sit that low? Notice how the wheels are tucked up into the fenders.

 

[RALPHIE]

I believe my friend Phil Hill, in addition to playing a supporting role in the movie, did most of the driving of the GT40 camera car, while Bob Bondurant had a similar Cobra camera car.

"Twenty-two racing cars formed major elements of the GRAND PRIX arsenal, together with a caravan of mobile machine shops and equipment carriers. The cars included four Ferraris, four BRMs, three Lotuses, four McLarens, two Brabhams and one American Eagle. Two camera cars, a Ford G.T. 40 and a Shelby Cobra 7-litre, used both for photography and in the direction of track scenes, were capable of traveling even faster than the racing cars themselves. Utilizing mounts on both front and rear, the cameras on the Ford G.T. 40 were controlled by remote-control television monitor within the two-seater occupied by Electronic Camera Operator John Stephens, with drivers Phil Hill and Bob Bondurant chiefly alternating behind the wheel. Another key tool was the Sud-Aviation helicopter, specially adapted for aerial photography with a Nelson Tyler mount and lightweight camera equipped with zoom lens."

 

[Superfly]

Ralphie, I don't what's cooler, the fact that Phil Hill is your friend, or the fact that the GT40 was faster than the current (at the time) Grand Prix racecars.

Ok, your friendship is cooler. :thumbsup

 

[RALPHIE]

The two camera cars, a Shelby Cobra and a Ford GT-40, could travel at speeds faster than the Formula I racers. Equipped with camera mounts on both front and back, they were also controlled by a television monitor within the automobile cockpit. Other unique problems were resolved. For example, a piece of gravel flying up from the track at 150 m.p.h. can shatter a precious camera lens. This was prevented by placing a piece of thick clear glass, called an optical flat, in front of the lens. If the optical flat became cracked, it was simply replaced. Because Grand Prix races were run whether the sun shines or in a downpour, Frankenheimer had to be prepared to shoot under the same conditions. Special plastic coverings were developed for the cameras to prevent rain from penetrating the camera shells, and electrical and mechanical connections were sprayed with a special plastic compound, also developed for the U.S. space program. With this advanced equipment pioneered in filming "Grand Prix," Frankenheimer was determined that the production did not emerge as "just another racing picture."...

"This is a film primarily about people," declared the director, "but about the people engaged in one of the most fascinating organized human endeavors of today's technological age." World-famous professional drivers seen in "Grand Prix" include 1962 world champion Graham Hill, Jack Brabham, world champion in 1959, 1960 and 1966; five-time world champion Juan Manuel Fangio (1951, '54, '55, '56 and '57), 1961 world champion Phil Hill and the following: Chris Anion, Lorenzo Bandini, Jean Pierre Beltoise, Bob Bondurant, Joakim Bonnier, Ken Costello, Nino Farina, Paul Frere, Richie Ginther, Dan Gurney, Dennis Hulme, Tony Lanfranchi, Guy Ligier, Bruce McLaren, Michael Parkes, Andre Pillette, Teddy Pillette, Peter Rev-son, Jochen Rindt, Jim Russell, Ludo-vico Scarfiotti^ Jo Schlesser, Skip Scott, Joe Siffert and Mike Spence."

Many of the top racers of that period were signed by Frankenheimer, as he wanted the most accurate and realistic portrayal of racing in the film. Obviously, they needed camera drivers who were capable of driving the camera cars at the speeds necessary to stay ahead of, or next to, the Formula 1 cars.

 

[gtjoey]

Guys The REAL GT40 trend is unreal...Ive been following many Mark 1 and 2 GT40s lately.
Even as a small block this car will be easily a 2 million dollar purchase. Like our Gts one day they are just going one way....up....The history and Patina on this car puts it over the top. In europe even though things are bad economy wise...this is one case where the wealthy owner will not care and pay ANYTHING FOR IT...Great ride.........gtjoey1314

 

[Triheart7]

Cool article and thread. Thanks everyone for sharing!

 

[Armrer]

I remember seeing that car at the Cunningham museum in the mid '80s. It sat in the back shop, minus the motor without the front and rear fiberglass. One of the staff said it was in the process of getting all of the camera foundations removed and a Gurney engine installed at some point. It was very clean, the low miles apparent. Great museum, sure missed it when it closed. It had the best of the Royales, IMHO.

 

[fjpikul]

I think you will learn that in his old age, Ralphie has a tendency to confabulate.

 

[PeakCompletions]

amazing piece of history... this car takes your breath away and makes your fingernails vibrate :banana

thanks for sharing! :cheers

 

[ByeEnzo]

amazing piece of history... this car takes your breath away and makes your fingernails vibrate :banana

thanks for sharing! :cheers

That car belongs in Midland with another super fast yellow GT!

 

[SteveA]

:agree::thumbsup

 

[djs]

I looked at the various images at Maxted Page (great site for drooling), and interestingly, there's no passenger seat in the car. BTW, GT40 1074 had its roof cut off as a camera car for McQueen's 1971 film LeMans.

 

[dmaxx3500]

they sure don't make movies like those anymore,,i remember my dad taking me to see ''lemans'' in downtown chicago back in 70-71 ?