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McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

A sleek black Ford GT sports car with a low, aerodynamic design, large wheels, and a rear spoiler is parked in a white studio setting. The Liquid Carbon Edition subtly flaunts ghosted stripes that add an extra layer of intrigue to its flawless finish.

By Charles Bradley – February 24, 2025

Stunning Ford GT Liquid Carbon Edition With “Ghosted Stri...

This 2021 Ford GT Liquid Carbon Edition is one of just 30 examples ever produced, with only five built per model year, making it one of the rarest and most exclusive iterations of Ford’s flagship supercar. An extra special example of this car is now available for to buy via auction with Sotheby’s Motorsport, from the workshops of Graham Rahal Performance in Indianapolis. It features a specially designed Liquid Carbon exterior, a finish that exposes the car’s carbon-fiber bodywork beneath clear coat, complemented by even rarer Shadow Black overtop stripes, a feature found on only a handful of the 30 examples. “We now have four or five Ford GTs here at our location, which is a little atypical for us,” said Rahal on Instgram. “This particular example, we've actually sold one or two of these before. Now, there's only 30 supposedly in the world, five per model year. This particular example is quite unique, though. “I have not seen, and I'm sure there is, but I have not seen another example that has ghosted stripes on them. Typically, the variations that you see on the liquid carbon cars is the mirror colors tend to be a little bit different – voodoo blue, some are red, etc. “This one also has the dark blue interior option, so we see a really cool contrast between the carbon, between the stripes, the interior, got the bright blue calipers and of course the matte finished wheels. This has 52 miles, basically delivery miles. “We are really, really pumped to have this car here at GRP.” This edition commanded a base price approximately $250,000 higher than a standard GT, underscoring its exclusivity and advanced construction. Beneath its sculpted body, a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 generates 660 horsepower and 550 lb-ft of torque, channeled to the rear wheels via a Getrag seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Ford’s motorsport-derived aerodynamics include a retractable active rear wing, a large rear diffuser, and sculpted buttress air ducts for enhanced cooling and stability, while a lightweight Gorilla Glass windshield and butterfly doors add to the GT’s cutting-edge design. The auction ends on Thursday at 17:30 EST, with the lastest bid of just below $1 million at the time of writing. View listing

By Edward Jones – May 09, 2022

Parnelli Jones' Personal 2020 Ford GT MkII Heading To Auc...

Presented by Mecum Auctions. Parnelli Jones needs no introduction to generations of racing fans as one of the most versatile and accomplished race drivers in American history, with winning records as both a driver and owner in practically every form of motorsports. An inductee into more than 20 halls of fame, Jones’ string of victories includes the 1963 Indianapolis 500 and Pikes Peak Hill Climb, the 1967 Motor Trend 500 at Riverside, the 1970 Trans-Am Championship in the famous Bud Moore Boss 302 Mustang and multiple off-road wins in his famed “Big Oly” Ford Bronco. Jones’ decades-long partnership with Ford Motor Company as driver, dealer, team owner and brand ambassador has certainly been mutually rewarding, so it was only natural that his personal collection should include this stunningly beautiful 2020 Ford GT, the most advanced and potent automobile ever to wear the famous Blue Oval. Distinguished by its Ingot Silver exterior finish, the GT’s basic structure comprises an array of carbon fiber weaves formed into a central passenger module with an integrated tubular steel roll cage. Beneath the GT’s aero-optimized carbon fiber envelope, lightweight aluminum front and rear subframes carry the track-focused all-independent suspension, which features electronic active damping and stability controls and a pushbutton-activated front lift system. Ford’s Le Mans-winning 3.5L/647 HP twin-turbocharged DOHC Ecoboost V-6 engine and Getrag dual-clutch 7-speed automatic transmission give the GT a sub-3 second 0-60 MPH time and a top speed of 216 MPH, making its massive Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes an absolute necessity. Active aerodynamics are integral to the GT’s design. The carbon fiber front splitter, underbody aero shields and rear diffuser work in concert with the automatically adjustable rear wing and integrated air brake, high-mounted center titanium exhaust and heat-extracting tail lights to generate a heady mixture of extraordinary downforce and stability, resulting in a level of high-speed composure that has been described as “genuinely astonishing.” The GT’s interior is designed to integrate car and driver like never before. Ebony Alcantara fabric covers virtually every point of contact, including the Sparco carbon fiber racing seats, steering wheel and tilt/telescopic column, instrument panel, pillars, headliner, door sills, air register pods and center console. Such details as GT headrest logos, anodized aluminum shift paddles, matte dark stainless accents and a wide-ranging electronic infotainment system enhance the GT’s cocoon-like, yet roomy, accommodations. Delivered new to Galpin Ford of North Hills, California, and still wrapper-fresh with a mere 15 miles on the clock, Parnelli Jones’ personal Ford GT includes the optional six-point harness anchors, Exterior Carbon Fiber Gloss Package, the Dark Energy Interior Upgrade package, 20-inch gloss exposed carbon fiber wheels with titanium lug nuts, and indoor and outdoor covers, features that added a total of $69,245 to the car’s MSRP. Parnelli’s distinctive signature on the dashboard adds the perfect finishing touch to this singularly exclusive 2020 Ford GT. This 2020 Ford GT will be auctioned off during Mecum Auctions' Indy 2022 event, May 13-21, 2022. Learn More

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 10, 2021

RM Sotheby’s Guikas Collection: 1967 Holman-Moody Ford Ho...

Presented by RM Sotheby's - Holman-Moody was founded by John Holman and Ralph Moody. The pair had been hired by Ford in 1956—Holman as Ford’s stock car mechanic at their workshop in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Moody as a NASCAR driver. In 1957, Ford, along with other American manufacturers, was banned from official participation in motorsport. Holman and Moody were made redundant, and so founded Holman-Moody to continue their involvement in racing. They subsequently purchased Ford’s Charlotte workshop for $12,000. By 1965, Holman-Moody was a leading American race car manufacturer, with Fords built by Holman-Moody winning 48 of 55 NASCAR Grand National Series races in 1965. To this day, this record remains unbroken. The constructor wanted to compete in the Can-Am series, bringing about the Honker II, nicknamed after Holman from his truck driving days. The car was painted in the Ford team color, Passino Purple, while Len Baily designed the car, and Alan Mann built the chassis. The disc brakes and certain suspension components were placed inboard, similar to Formula 1 cars made by Cooper. The initial powerplant was a fuel-injected 351-cubic-inch V-8 pre-production Ford engine. The second was a 377-cubic-inch V-8 with Gurney-Weslake cylinder heads, and a Hewland LG-600 transaxle transmission sent power to the rear wheels. The Honker II competed in the 1967 Can-Am racing series, when it was owned by Paul Newman and driven by racing legend Mario Andretti. The car entered five races, with the best result of 8th at Bridgehampton, New York. Newman would feature the car in the 1969 film he starred in, Winning.The car was returned to Holman-Moody’s workshop and sat until the mid-1980s, when Lee, John Holman’s son, commissioned a restoration. This was completed by Holman-Moody and InMatch engineering of Barrington, Illinois. After the restoration, a 377-cubic-inch Ford SVO engine with Gurney-Weslake heads and four Weber carburettors was installed. In 1994, Thomas Mittler purchased the Honker II and tasked Alex Greaves, a former McLaren Can-Am builder, with the project of making the car competitive. Mittler spent $190,000 and was rewarded when the Honker II won the Historic Can-Am celebration cup in 1997. In 2008, the engine and suspension were rebuilt. A beautifully designed and carefully restored chassis intimately connected to some of the most famous names in American racing history, the 1967 Holman-Moody Ford Honker II would be well-suited to further exhibition and vintage competition. RM Sotheby’s will present this vehicle as part of a single-owner collection comprised of 75 of the finest racing and road cars in the world, offered entirely without reserve. The Guikas Collection, to be sold at Paul Ricard Circuit in France in November 2021, presents pedigrees spanning from the endurance racing of the 24 Hours of the Le Mans to the world stage of Formula One and nearly everything in between. The collection of race cars will provide modern racing enthusiasts an introduction into virtually all vintage racing series worldwide, including GT and road cars that are equally impressive which offer a wide selection of Pre- and Post-War sports cars. View Listing

By Edward Jones – September 05, 2021

Barrett-Jackson Houston Auction: Officially Licensed and ...

Presented by Barrett-Jackson - This is an officially licensed and certified "Eleanor" build and comes with the Genuine Eleanor Certification paperwork, Eleanor body VIN plate and emblems issued by Gone in 60 Seconds LLC. Titled in California, this 1967 Resto-Mod Mustang received a complete rotisserie restoration and has only test miles. The body began with a clean and rust-free bare Mustang shell (photo documentation of the full process is provided) and it was carefully reassembled. It has all the movie-correct Eleanor body modifications and accessories - and of course, it wouldn't be Eleanor without the wired "Go-Baby-Go," "NOS ARMED" dash switch, and the Eleanor nitrous bottle and shifter knob (non-operable). It was designed and created to be a perfect blend of the iconic Eleanor styling, with an updated and modern driveline for improved reliability and performance. Underneath the distinctive domed Eleanor hood sits a 5.0-liter Coyote V8 coupled to a 6-speed automatic transmission. It exhales through a 2.5-inch exhaust system exiting through the side rockers. The entire 1967 original suspension was removed and replaced, front to back. The sub-frame assembly includes a Heidts independent front suspension with power rack & pinion steering, Detroit Speed subframe connectors, a RideTech 4-link rear suspension, and Ford 9-inch rear end, along with front and rear adjustable coilover shocks. It has Wilwood disc brakes with 4-piston calipers, as well as drilled and slotted rotors. In addition, the underside of the fastback was prepared as meticulously as the top side and painted body color with copious layers of clear coat to allow it to be wiped down with ease. It has all-new wiring and plumbing, along with an aluminum radiator with twin fans. It rolls on 8x17-inch and beefy 9.5x18-inch Eleanor-style polished wheels with Z-rated performance tires. Professionally finished in Pepper Gray Metallic two-stage PPG exterior paint along with rich black rally body stripes and multiple layers of clear coat over the top. The underside of the fiberglass hood and the shaved engine compartment are painted body color and are as flawless as the top side. The overall body gaps and alignment are excellent, and the fit and finish of the scoops and custom body modifications were hand-fitted. Everything is correct down to the proper sequential taillights, stainless-steel Bullet-style side view mirror, and Eleanor-style functional flip-up gas-filler lid. Also equipped with a vintage-styled modern air conditioning system and an electric trunk release. The all-new deluxe interior features custom low-back seats and center console, as well as stainless-steel billet interior trim. The rear area has a fold-down seat with the NOS bottle located behind it. It also has a custom-painted roll bar with a certified seatbelt harness. The dash cluster is fitted with retro-styled brand-new modern Velocity gauges. Steering consists of an Ididit tilt steering column with a custom vintage-style wood steering wheel. Show-ready LED lighting is featured in the interior cabin, engine compartment, and chassis area. Sound is provided by a Retrosound stereo with Bluetooth connectivity. It has two batteries in the trunk. All the accessories and lighting - including the front blue driving lights, fog lights, and LED lights - operate and function correctly with the flip of a toggle switch. It comes complete with a full start-to-finish build book and a 30x40-inch professionally assembled "Gone in 60 Seconds" framed presentation of the official movie poster, along with authentic officially "signed" photos of the lead cast members, Nicolas Cage and Angelina Jolie. Hundreds of cars are set to cross the block with No Reserve at Barrett-Jackson’s Inaugural Houston Auction, September 16-18 at NRG Center. Check out the docket and become a bidder today! View Listing

By Edward Jones – September 03, 2021

Barrett-Jackson Houston Auction: Stirling Moss' 1966 Shel...

Presented by Barrett-Jackson - There are few more ringing endorsements for any competition car than having been chosen by Sir Stirling Moss to satisfy his skill and competitive drive. Upgraded to R spec and then driven by Moss in vintage competition throughout the 1990s, this Shelby GT350, SFM 6S089, is the 89th of 252 early-production carryover GT350 models combining the features of Shelbys 1965 and 1966 cars. After spending its early years in San Antonio, TX, the GT350 was purchased by Steve Barnes of Boston and subsequently Peter Livanos, Aston Martin co-owner from 1984-87, who had it converted to R specification during his ownership by Shelby expert Chris Liebenberg of Danbury, CT. Having previously enjoyed driving a GT350 at Monterey, Moss purchased 6S089 from Livanos and signed the FIA Historic Vehicle Identity Form issued in 1993. This GT350 was raced by Sir Stirling Moss at nine different venues in Europe (FIA) and Targa Tasmania (winner) from 1991-97. In fact, Moss stated more than once that this R-spec GT350 was his favorite for historic racing. In May 2007, Stirling Moss and Carroll Shelby, along with their wives, were honored guests at Houstons Keels & Wheels Concours dElegance, where they signed many autographs, and Carroll Shelby drove this car across the stage, announcing it would hereafter be known as The Moss Car. In 2012, SFM 6S089 was driven at the Monterey Historic Races by former CART/Indianapolis, IMSA, and NASCAR driver Dominic Dobson. Powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine mated to a 4-speed manual transmission, the car is autographed by Stirling Moss inside the trunk, is listed in the Shelby Registry, and comes with substantial documentation, including many photos from Moss extensive personal files, as well as a film in which Moss and his wife Suzie discuss the car's history, plus photos from Keels & Wheels. A letter on file from the late Shelby engineer Phil Remington confirms the car's R-code details. Blessed by several of the world's most famous racing legends, this 1966 Shelby GT350 is exceptionally well-documented and ready to go, offered in race-ready condition. Hundreds of cars are set to cross the block with No Reserve at Barrett-Jackson’s Inaugural Houston Auction, September 16-18 at NRG Center. Check out the docket and become a bidder today! View Listing

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By Edward Jones – September 02, 2021

Barrett-Jackson Houston Auction: 2019 Ford GT Lightweight

Presented by Barrett-Jackson - This 2019 Ford GT is a true street-legal exclusive race car. The GT can launch to 60 mph in under 3 seconds and achieve a top speed of over 216 mph. This GT, chassis #42, boasts $74,750 in factory options. It is desirably equipped with the 600A Lightweight Package, which includes Lightweight graphics, 20-inch gloss exposed carbon-fiber wheels, titanium lug nuts, titanium exhaust, polycarbonate rear engine hatch and an Alcantara-wrapped carbon-fiber steering wheel. This GT is finished in Shadow Black accented by carbon-fiber stripes and exposed carbon-fiber trim with a gloss finish. The carbon-fiber wheels are wrapped with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires and brought to a stop by red Brembo brake calipers. The GT's interior is trimmed in the carbon theme, accented nicely by carbon-fiber trim, including the door sills. The interior features an F1-inspired steering wheel wrapped in Alcantara with an integrated LED rev indicator. Powering this GT is the 647hp 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 engine, which is mated to a 7-speed Getrag dual-clutch automatic transmission. Also included in the sale is a purpose-built trailer designed specifically for the trailering needs of the Ford GT. This one-owner supercar has 8 actual miles and comes with the Window Sticker and factory build process photos. Hundreds of cars are set to cross the block with No Reserve at Barrett-Jackson's Inaugural Houston Auction, September 16-18 at NRG Center. Check out the docket and become a bidder today! View Listing

By Edward Jones – June 15, 2021

1968 Shelby GT500KR Being Offered at Barrett-Jackson Las ...

Presented by Barrett-Jackson - This gorgeous KR, wearing Shelby #04110, pairs the original matching-numbers 428ci Cobra Jet V8 engine with C6 Select-O-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission, with its shift lever coming out of the floor through a new-for-1968 Shelby-unique center console and factory air conditioning. The black deluxe bucket-seat interior is surrounded by tinted glass, Shelby's autograph adorns the glove box door, and a Philco push-button AM radio and tilt steering column are among the other interior amenities. Outside, the Highland Green paint is accented with white rocker panel stripes, and Lucas driving lights are mounted in the grille. This car's double A-arm front suspension has been rebuilt, and the chassis is equipped with power steering and power brakes. The KR rolls on Goodyear/Shelby Speedway 350 bias-ply blackwall tires wrapped around Shelby's optional 10-spoke aluminum wheels. The history of this Shelby GT500KR is well-documented in the Shelby Registry. This highly detailed car is ready to be shown and driven. This 1968 Shelby GT500KR will be selling with No Reserve during the 2021 Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas Auction, June 17-19. View Online Listing

By Edward Jones – June 12, 2021

1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 Being Offered at Barrett-Jacks...

Presented by Barrett-Jackson Auction Company – There’s something about a body-in-white high-performance car that radiates an exclusive prototype vibe that is much more about the car’s engine than any exterior color one might think of. The look of the Boss 429 under the hood of a Mustang was one of the most impressive sights during the rise of the entire muscle car phenomenon and remains so to this day. This particular 1969 Boss 429, which will be selling with No Reserve at the 2021 Las Vegas Auction as Lot #759, is an ideal example. The Wimbledon White paint almost hides its true potential to unsuspecting eyes, but the very shape of the Mustang is its own visual reward. Thanks to the design expertise and general hot-rod enthusiasm of the great Larry Shinoda, the Boss 429 presented itself as a leading-edge approach to perhaps the most exciting moment of that classic era. During the car’s creation when Shinoda was asked by his compatriots about his new project he simply told them it was “the Boss’ car,” and the name stuck. That boss was Bunkie Knudsen, who headed up Ford’s stock car racing program. Besides, if they had called this hot new engine “the Bunkie 429,” it might not have caught on in the street-scene quite so readily. The final construction of all Boss 429s was performed by Ford’s go-to specialty fabricator of Kar Kraft in Brighton, Michigan. Their resume included the development of the GT40 Mark II and Mark IV ‒ both Le Mans winners in 1966 and 1967. It took that kind of skill, talent and dedication to make the car of Knudson’s vision and Shinoda’s imagination possible, practical and ultimately so very collectible. The interior of this specimen is all original and even offers a deluxe AM radio, which likely never had much use. Naturally, you’ll find the battery located in the trunk to keep some weight off the front end, although there wasn’t any spare room under the hood anyway. To keep this engine combo in the good graces of government watchdogs of the day, the factory chose a smaller Holley 735 cfm carburetor to help ensure dyno-testing would reveal less potential than what was really there – and at the same time calm the engine’s output for street use by keeping the horsepower number down to a less aggressive, more socially acceptable level. Ironically, the same strategy did not apply to the Boss 302, since it used a larger 780 cfm version to boost and boast of the power even more on their soon-to-be-famous small-block. It’s NASCAR-derived crescent-head 429ci powerhouse engine utilizes a 4-speed manual transmission to send good will back to a set of 3.91 Traction-Lok gears. And this one now rides on new springs and shocks. Power steering and brakes were standard for a dash of driver comfort. This hand-assembled 1969 Boss 429 sports the Kar Kraft model number 1404. It had been treated to an older restoration that brought it up to its former glory. The car is fully documented and includes a Marti Report. This 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 with be selling with No Reserve during the 2021 Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas Auction, June 17-19. View Online Listing

By Edward Jones – June 11, 2021

Liquid Red Tri-Coat 2019 Ford GT Being Offered at Barrett...

Presented by Barrett-Jackson Auction Company – Appropriately introduced in Detroit at the January 2015 North American Auto Show, the latest Ford GT was a shock to the senses of most onlookers in many respects. Developed by Ford Motor Company engineers in parallel with Multimatic, the road-going Ford GT is essentially a thinly disguised FIA LM GTE-class racing car, albeit one with startling luxury, comfort and provision for a license plate. In fact, in terms of development priorities, the GT was designed first for competition and civilized – barely – for the street. The road-legal GT made its European debut in late 2017 at Frankfurt, with competition cars having already won class at Le Mans in 2016, the site of Ford’s stunning triumph there 50 years before. A stunning tour de force of design and engineering prowess, the bristles with modern high-tech materials, cutting-edge construction techniques and built-in aerodynamic features throughout. Manufacture of the road models is carried out by Multimatic at its new, purpose-built low-volume production facility in Markham, Ontario, near Toronto in Canada. There, the first Ford GT road car was completed on December 16, 2016, an occasion rightly celebrated with top Ford Motor Company brass in attendance. Based on a track-worthy carbon-fiber monocoque and lightweight aluminum structures at its core, the GT is surprisingly compact with bodywork designed for minimal frontal area, low aerodynamic drag, and maximum downforce at speed. Standing just 43.7 inches tall, it becomes two inches lower when Track Mode is selected. Suspension is via competition-style pushrod-actuated dampers, and sections of an FIA-legal roll cage are neatly integrated into the GT’s roof structure. Exuding a teardrop shape when viewed from above, the GT’s main bodywork tapers sharply to the rear and built-in features deliver astounding downforce at speed. Flying buttresses aft of the passenger compartment direct cool air into the engine intakes and pontoon-style rear fenders are in the mold of current track-only Le Mans prototypes. Drawing from actual Ford production-car technology, the GT is powered by a mid-mounted 3.5-liter, twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine developing 647 horsepower – 183 horses per liter and 550 ft/lbs of torque. Harnessed by a Getrag 7-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission/rear transaxle, the GT explodes from rest to 60 mph under 3.0 seconds, up to a stunning 216-mph terminal velocity. Hydraulic steering gear provides precise directional control, extremely lightweight carbon-fiber wheels slash unsprung weight to a minimum and Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes provide competition-grade stopping power. Once switched into Race Mode for track duty, the GT delivers sharper response to throttle inputs, less-sensitive traction and stability control programming, lowered ride height, stiffer underpinnings, firmer gearchanges and deployment of the rear spoiler, rendering the GT ready to attack any racing circuit on command. Finished in Liquid Red Tri-Coat paint with a Dark Energy interior, this 2019 Ford GT is an amazing one-owner example with just 21 actual miles at the time of writing. The purposeful, yet startlingly luxurious interior of this GT features an F1-inspired steering wheel, wrapped in Ebony Alcantara, with paddle-shift levers and myriad control buttons, dials and switches all placed at the driver’s fingertips to control the car’s various systems. Other choice features and amenities include an LED rev counter, launch control, tilt/telescopic steering column and 6.5-inch touchscreen with navigation, Bluetooth and Sync 3 infotainment system. Other amazing highlights include brilliant LED headlamps, a ventilated polycarbonate rear engine hatch and high-mounted center exhaust outlets. As if its incredible race-derived specifications are not enough, this GT features over $50,000 in its array of factory options, including 6-point safety-harness anchors, alloy over-top stripes, the carbon-fiber exterior accent package, a fitted car cover and 20-inch, gloss-exposed lightweight carbon-fiber wheels. All factory-issued documents – including the Window Sticker, build book and other highly desirable items ‒ are included with the offering of this stellar, virtually new 2019 Ford GT. Additionally, this collector-grade 2019 Ford GT is offered complete with a tandem-axle aluminum motorsports trailer custom-built by InTech Trailers in Nappanee, Indiana. Showcasing every feature necessary to securely haul your new 2019 Ford GT home or to and from shows and track events, this InTech trailer is equipped with a fifth-wheel attachment point, front landing gear, built-in spare wheel/tire and electrical compartments, a drawbridge-style rear loading ramp, fold-out side panel with gas struts, a side access door and vehicle tie-down system. A tool cabinet and roof-mounted cupboards are installed up front to contain the necessary items to maintain your GT and provide ample storage space for refreshments while you’re on the move to your next event. This 2019 Ford GT with be selling with No Reserve during the 2021 Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas Auction, June 17-19. View Online Listing

By Edward Jones – June 10, 2021

Henry Ford II's 1966 Mustang GT K-Code Convertible Being ...

Presented by Barrett-Jackson Auction Company – When Henry Ford II globe-trotted to France to see his cars beat Ferrari in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, he had this very Mustang waiting and ready to ride anywhere he chose. Selling at the 2021 Las Vegas Auction with No Reserve at Lot #766, this 1966 high-option convertible was and still is truly one of a kind and decked out with many features that simply weren’t available to anyone else in the world, until now ‒ like the “HFII” logo in the center of the steering wheel created just for you-know-who. Treated to a specialized Raven Black paint with a high-gloss sheen, the exterior contrasts beautifully with its white leather convertible top. The car’s interior is beyond compare. Its unique bucket seats and door panels are prototypes that would eventually be used for the 1967/1968 Cougars. The GT Equipment Group included an AM/8-track and stereo tape player, power steering, power front disc brakes and a power convertible top. Naturally, the interior’s fit and finish is of the very highest order, especially considering who rode this pony. Tan leather seating and panels make for the perfect saddle. After all, Mr. Ford did plan to have his products ride roughshod over Enzo Ferrari’s prancing horses in just 24 hours. The audio treat of this Mustang is thanks to Ford’s first modern high-performance small-block V8 in the form of the solid-lifter K-code 289ci engine with a single 4-barrel carburetor generating 271 horsepower and orchestrated with a 4-speed manual transmission. This is essentially the same engine architecture as that used in the original GT40s, which in fact did race and win at Le Mans. The high-output 289 was initially produced in 1963 and offered in Ford’s Fairlane and Comet, the Shelby Cobra, then the Mustang. This race-proven engine has become a legend in its own time, and every car offered with one shares the very same status in the mind of enthusiasts from all over the world Out back 3.89 gears make it rev-happy, and the car sounds like a very businesslike street marauder, even when parked or idling. Renault drivers were probably mortified when Mr. Ford went by them. Some say that the “Deuce” himself drove this car to lap the racecourse during the 1966 opening ceremonies as honorary president of this worldwide event. Up front Lot #766 carries grille-mounted fog lights and, out back, a dual exhaust. A quicker-ratio steering system makes this Mustang all the more agile. Specially designed steel wheels provide additional flash to an already extraordinary image and history. This car lived most of its life in France, where it was displayed at numerous Mustang-related events over the years. In many ways this very Mustang is rare on top of rare, considering how few K-code models were produced, how few of them were ever so well-equipped and how none but this one can be deemed a most precious Ford blueblood. Henry Ford II’s 1966 Ford Mustang GT K-Code Convertible with be selling with No Reserve during the 2021 Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas Auction, June 17-19. View Online Listing

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