Vehicle Description
2004 FORD GT PROTOTYPE CP-1 for sale Exotic Classics 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.