Ford GT-CP-1 prototype 2003.
The lot number 654, of the next auction Northeast 2016 Barrett-Jackson is composed by a vehicle is very special, the first prototype to be truly functional in the Ford GT. The model born in the middle of the last decade in the image and likeness of the iconic GT40, which took its image abroad. Image that had to be adapted to new dimensions, as the original model was too radical, especially in its height. Hence, precisely, its name, as it was only 40 inches tall, 1.016 mm
This prototype was the first to have engine and transmission complete, as well as the interior finished. Built in 2003, this was a prototype design and was named CP-1,) Confirmation Prototype 1, and it was the specimen on which is based the prototype development later. Hence, has elements and specifications that are unique, that were later discarded by the brand name for the production version. Previously, only they had been manufactured by scale models or non-functional, created only as a vehicle of exposure.
The CP-1 has a number of chassis #004, and you have all of your documentation and elements of a prototype test, as the connections of testing and various devices of control used in the test road and approval.
steering Wheel and airbag of the Mustang with the steering column of a van.
Among the special features of this issue we can list the metal rings of the seats, present in the prototypes but they did not arrive to the definitive version of street, and that in this prototype were installed, although it seemed in the pictures as the majority have gone out of their site in the seat. Likewise, this exemplary had elements drawn from other models of the brand, as is the case of the steering wheel, easily recognizable as belonging to the Mustang of the time, after which we found the steering column of the van Ford Windstar.
A peculiarity is very striking in this issue is the engine cover. Initially developed of carbon fiber, when the directors of the brand found that each of them would cost $ 45,000 to quickly banned, going to be made of aluminum, a lot cheaper.
Under that cover, we find the twin-turbo V8 that would finally be assembled in the model street, but with various elements which were later replaced, as the exhaust system, prepared for the test which is carried out with this unit or the covers of the cylinder heads, which went on to be silver and blue, instead of the black color that we find in this issue.
At the back we find slight differences with the GT final.
The prototype features the autographs of 13 members, most prominent of the design team of the original GT. Among them we can find Carroll Shelby, Bill Ford, the Chief designer of the GT, Camilo Pardo, and the chief engineer of the project, Fred Goodnow.
likewise, we found scribbled by hand a notice on the centre tunnel, pointing to the red button on . Button that does not display any legend. The model was in the hands of Ford until 2008, when he sold out to a reputed collector of the model, that is precisely the responsible for the book highlights about the history of the Ford GT. Collector that now is the that 8 years after put up for sale the prototype CP-1 through the auction house Barrett – Jackson.
Its rarity and history make the Ford GT CP-1 across a gem of a museum, though, despite being a functional model has another peculiarity that while it may not be to the liking of many, also makes it unique.
cover engine GT CP-1 was made of carbon fiber, to $ 45,000 piece.
When Ford sold it in 2008, installed a chip in your ecu in order to limit its maximum speed to just 8 km/h and so to prevent that he could get out to the streets, not only to safeguard this museum piece, but rather to avoid that a prototype that does not have the standard elements of safety or approval may be driven on public roads. So while we’re looking at a GT single, we can also say that is the Ford GT slower in the world.
–