[General Car News]2004 Ford GT Prototype CP-1 is going up for auction

[VR6OC News Bot 30]

This is a lifetime chance to own a piece of automotive history with known provenance that cannot be duplicated. The Ford GT Prototype CP-1, or Confirmation Prototype 1 is going to auction.
Designated as VIN No. 004, the CP-1 was the first fully operational Ford GT built as part of the development phase of Blue Ovals tribute to its Le Mans-winning GT40 racecar from the 1960s. The three prototypes built before CP-1 painted in red, white and blue color were non-runners built for exhibition only and currently reside in the Ford Museum. Unlike them, this particular unit was the first prototype fitted with a complete drivetrain and full interior, and it was Ford’s test mule for quite some time.

CP-1 remains fitted with test connections and monitoring equipment used in road and Emissions Certification testing and is offered with factory Build Sheet documentation.
GT Prototype CP-1 features an array of components and many design features that are exclusive to this prototype. Non-production parts include a airbags, which are Mustang components, the steering column from a Ford Windstar, the striking Camillo-designed all-aluminum headliner, silver trim rings on the seats, a quick-release fuel tank, a black supercharger and valve covers and a carbon fiber clamshell that cost over $45,000. Prior to the sale in 2008, Ford engineers installed an electronic governor to limit the car’s top speed to 5 mph.
Verifying authenticity, the car has been signed by 13 members of the original GT design team, including Carroll Shelby, Bill Ford, GT Chief Designer Camillo Pardo and GT Chief Design Engineer Fred Goodnow. In 2008 CP-1 was sold to the collector, and author of the definitive book on the reborn Ford GT, Joey Limongelli.
The first functional Ford GT Prototype is going to be auctioned at the Russo and Steele’s Scottsdale auction, which will be held from January 18-22, and could become the first Ford GT to sell for over a million dollars, given the fact that CP-2 last summer was sold for over $800,000.

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