Garage Find: Ford GT40 MK.I Chassis P/1067

If you saw the tail end of a Ford GT40 sticking out of a suburban garage with junk piled all over it, you would assume it was some long-forgotten kit car project, but that was not the case in one Thousand Oaks neighborhood, where one of the most desirable cars has been sitting in a cocoon since the late ’70s.

The Ford GT40, an iconic symbol of automotive racing history, was developed in the 1960s as part of Ford’s ambitious endeavor to dominate endurance racing, particularly the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This initiative was spurred by a failed acquisition of Ferrari, leading Henry Ford II to challenge Ferrari’s supremacy on the racetrack. The result was the creation of the Ford GT40, a car that would go on to secure four consecutive Le Mans victories from 1966 to 1969.

Among the GT40s produced, chassis P/1067 holds a distinctive place. Completed on December 23, 1966, it was the last GT40 manufactured that year. Notably, P/1067 was one of only three GT40 Mk I models equipped with a Mk II rear clamshell from the factory, and it is the sole survivor retaining this original feature. Initially finished in a light metallic blue, the car was sold to Doug Schultz in Elmwood Park, Illinois.

In the early 1970s, P/1067 changed hands multiple times and was actively raced in club events. Jim Scott, a subsequent owner, repainted the car in a striking yellow and black livery and added Halibrand wheels, enhancing its racing aesthetics. Later, the car became part of George Walther’s collection, father of racer Salt Walther, who modified it to resemble the Daytona-winning Mk II, complete with competition roundel wheels and No. 98 racing numbers.

In 1975, Dennis Murdoch, a retired firefighter from Thousand Oaks, California, acquired the GT40. He continued to race the car until 1977 when an engine failure sidelined it. Murdoch began repairs, but an injury halted the restoration, leading to the car being stored in his garage for decades. Over time, the GT40 became obscured under piles of household items, its existence known only to a few enthusiasts.

The car remained in this state until 2014 when car collector Tom Shaughnessy learned of its existence through his son, John, who had met Murdoch at The Friends of Steve McQueen Car Show. Recognizing the significance of P/1067, Shaughnessy engaged in careful negotiations, eventually acquiring the car after a year-long process. Upon its unveiling, the Ford GT40 was found to be remarkably intact, retaining its original components, including the engine and a period-correct Gurney-Weslake 302.

The discovery of P/1067 was met with enthusiasm within the automotive community, given its rarity and well-preserved condition. Shaughnessy faced a pivotal decision: whether to restore the car to its original factory specifications or to its late 1960s racing configuration. He expressed a desire to maintain the car’s historical integrity while ensuring it would be driven and enjoyed, telling Hot Rod Magazine, “I drive all my cars. I have no room in my garage for Easter eggs.”

The restoration of such a significant vehicle involves meticulous attention to detail, sourcing authentic parts, and employing skilled craftsmanship to honor its legacy. Once restored, P/1067 is poised to be a highlight at automotive exhibitions and historic racing events, offering enthusiasts a tangible link to the golden era of endurance racing.

The story of chassis P/1067 underscores the enduring allure of the Ford GT40 and its pivotal role in motorsport history. From its innovative design and competitive achievements to its rediscovery and restoration, P/1067 exemplifies the passion and dedication of the automotive community in preserving the legacy of these remarkable machines.