Number 00007 (or CP4) to be auctioned in Auburn later this month

[Wwabbit]

That's a great story, many thanks!

As always, FANTASTIC to have the guys who built and tested our cars right here!!

+1 Absolutely! Awesome to be able to hear the story direct.

 

[sahlman]

Rapid Deflation

Typically an uneventlful test, so I was in the right seat that day with Walsh- the side we hit the spikes on. My side of the car went up in the air a couple feet as the plate went on edge and shot outward. Jeff knew we had an "event" but his side stayed on the ground as my head slammed the roof (with my belt on). I was very lucky that the construction of the frame and floorpan was extremely solid. The best part was Breitenbach's reaction...he was way more concerned about our beloved CP4 than Jeff or myself. We just keep saying, "no really Denis, we're OK"! I don't think he said a word. He couldn't believe how bad we just hurt the car!

CP4 is arguably the most significant single protoype on the project, in my opinion.

Scott

 

[twobjshelbys]

The test was called, “Tire rapid deflation”. In a nut shell you drive the vehicle going 60 mph over some really large spikes that are welded to a big plate that is bolted to the track surface (see photo). Preference is to do the right side as the spikes pass under the drives seat. You spike the tires and bring the vehicle to a controlled stop. Had run this test about 3 times but we needed to do it one more time, as we released a new tire construction. The test was conducted at our Michigan Proving Grounds (MPG), Jeff Walsh was the driver. Well Jeff hit the spikes with the right front tire, but the spikes were bigger that what we used before (all previous testing was done at our APG Yuca track). The spikes went through the tire through the right front rim and proceeded to rip the plate out of the track. The plate kicked up under the car and propelled the car skyward. The car came down hard and upright but it hurt the right front pretty bad not to mention the bottom of the car is banged up. Dennis Breitenbach would know the extent of the damage as this was his baby for the entire life of the program. My Ride and Handling engineers gave Dennis a detail model of CP4 at the end of the program for all his work on her. That being said, CP4 was THE Ride and Handling car for the program. It was the first GT to get to 200 mph (Jeff Walsh @ MPG). It is a very significant car from the program and I hope someone from the forum gets it and has it repaired. I just want to make sure that everyone on the GT Forum knows what they are getting before they bid. Would love to see it back on the track as this car is tied in my book with CP15. Being a CP it is not a street legal vehicle.

So guys, think about this. In every car you buy, this stuff goes on behind the scenes. You never hear about the details or see pictures of the stuff that went on to get the safety rating of your daily driver. How cool is it we get to see some of the real stuff that went on for the Ford GT? I think it is so cool, almost miraculous, that we not only get to see details but get them from those who did it. What a cool experience!

 

[dbk]

The best part was Breitenbach's reaction...he was way more concerned about our beloved CP4 than Jeff or myself. We just keep saying, "no really Denis, we're OK"! I don't think he said a word. He couldn't believe how bad we just hurt the car!

This I can believe! :lol

 

[KJD]

Denis was all business!

I'm certain he initially and rapidly established that the occupants were OK.

Only then did he return his laser focus and attention to the car!! :rofl

 

[Specracer]

Anyone know the result?

 

[roketman]

I would like to see the model they gave Dennis.Dennis has some very cool stories once you get him talking!This is what makes
the rallies so cool.Talking to the people involved in the process of production,building and testing.

 

[shesgotlegs]

What a cool ( and funny) story! Thank you for sharing.

 

[Biginch Blake]

Did the 00007 GT sell? If it did what was the hammer price?

 

[dbk]

$217,250, no fees or commissions to be paid.

 

[Mark McGowan]

But who is the new owner? And where is it going? Would like to keep tabs on that car.

 

[Specracer]

I didn't ask, as I assumed they wouldn't tell me when I called to get the result.