Vehicle Description
2004 FORD GT PROTOTYPE CP-1 for sale Champion Motors International
is proud to present a piece of automotive history with known
provenance that cannot be duplicated. Of special interest to Ford
enthusiasts, CP-1, or Confirmation Prototype 1, is the first
fully-functional Ford GT prototype built in 2003 as part of the
development phase of Fords highly anticipated tribute to its Le
Mans-winning GT40 racecar from the 1960s. The preceding red, white
and blue centennial prototypes were non-runners, built for
exhibition only. They currently reside in the Ford Museum. This
car, with VIN 004, was the first prototype fitted with a full
drivetrain and interior. CP-1 is offered with factory build sheets
and documentation, and remains fitted with test connections and
monitoring equipment used in road and Emissions Certification
testing. While the true mileage is unknown, the car is known to
have been evaluated on the road and dyno and includes an engine
hour meter.CP-1 is an important piece of Ford history. The car is
autographed by thirteen members of the original GT design team
including Carroll Shelby, Bill Ford, GT Chief Designer Camillo
Pardo, GT Chief Design Engineer Fred Goodnow, and many more.In
2008, CP-1 was purchased from Ford by a respected GT collector and
author of the definitive book on the reborn Ford GT.CP1's
unbelievable originality is perhaps what makes the car so
tantalizing to Ford enthusiasts. The body and engine compartment
feature an array of non-standard components and many design
features that are exclusive to this prototype and never part of
final production. The airbags are Mustang components, the steering
column from a Ford Windstar; the cool silver trim rings on the
seats didn't make it to production, the striking Camillo designed
all-aluminum headliner was replaced in production by a more
traditional sound-padded roof, and a note scrawled in magic marker
on the center console ominously instructs test drivers to "push red
button to start" the rear-mounted V-8 engine.On the exterior, the
right rear quarter panel features two quick release valves
connected to the fuel tank. The valves aid in swift changes of fuel
grades, and extending beyond the rear bumper is a set of
experimental exhaust pipes connected by a "sniffer pipe" which
helped engineers determine accurate emissions output during the
testing phase.The engine compartment on CP1 is fitted with a carbon
fiber rear clamshell that dramatically reduced curb weight.
However, when Ford execs learned that each clamshell would cost
approximately $45,000 to produce, the idea was scrapped in favor of
a more traditional, and far less expensive, aluminum tub. The motor
has a prominent black supercharger and valve covers, which were
replaced in production by a silver blower and traditional ford Blue
valve covers.While CP1 has a fully functional powertrain, and the
car has a 17-digit VIN, prior to the sale in 2008 Ford engineers
installed a chip in the engine to limit top speed to 5 mph. The car
is sold on a bill of sale. *While every reasonable effort is made
to ensure the accuracy of this information, we are not responsible
for any errors or omissions contained on these pages. Please verify
any information in question with Champion Motors International.
