Crossing the block at Mecum Kissimmee 2026 on Friday, January 16th, one of the most historically significant Ford GT40s ever built—chassis P/1018—will take center stage. Known as one of only two GT40s ever driven by Carroll Shelby himself, this remarkable car stands as a living artifact of Ford’s golden age of racing and Shelby American’s enduring legacy.
The Shelby Connection
Delivered new to Shelby American on November 9, 1965, P/1018 was built as a “show and demonstration” car but carried the same DNA as the GT40s that went on to dominate Le Mans. Despite suffering minor nose damage in transit, the car immediately found itself in the spotlight—literally—being used for a promotional photo shoot with Carroll Shelby upon arrival at the company’s Los Angeles Airport facility.
Shelby later personally drove the GT40 at the opening of the Santa Monica Freeway on January 6, 1966, with Miss Santa Monica riding shotgun. That drive alone places this car among the most storied of all GT40s, bridging the gap between the track and the public imagination.
Hollywood, Showrooms, and the Shelby Legacy
P/1018’s life didn’t end with publicity stunts. It was leased to MGM Studios, where it was driven by Bob Bondurant during camera testing for the film Grand Prix. Soon after, the car toured auto shows across the West Coast before starring in an episode of The Man from U.N.C.L.E., cementing its pop culture credentials.
After its time on display at events like the 1967 High Performance and Custom Trade Show at Dodger Stadium (which later evolved into SEMA), the GT40 entered private hands. Over the decades, it passed through the ownership of motorsport icons including David Piper, Brian O’Neil, and Ray Bellm, each adding to its rich competition and restoration history.
A Race-Bred Survivor
Today, P/1018 remains one of the most historically complete and continuously campaigned GT40s in existence. It has raced at Goodwood Revival, the Le Mans Classic, and Daytona Classic 24 Hours, even appearing on Top Gear in 2004—where it famously beat a Noble GT by 0.06 seconds.
Recently refinished in its original Maroon paint and accompanied by an extensive history dossier from GT40 historian Ronnie Spain, this car retains its original chassis, 289 cubic-inch V8, ZF 5-speed transaxle, and hallmark racing features including Weber carburetors, a “bundle of snakes” exhaust, and period-correct Borrani wire wheels.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity
Offered as a main attraction in Kissimmee, this GT40 isn’t merely a car—it’s an artifact of American racing’s defining moment. From its role as a Shelby American demonstrator to its film appearances, racing victories, and concours history, P/1018 represents a rare intersection of performance, provenance, and cultural legacy.
Few cars can claim to have been built by Ford, driven by Carroll Shelby, and raced at Goodwood—and even fewer are offered for public sale.
When this GT40 crosses the block, it won’t just be another car changing hands—it will be a piece of motorsport history finding its next custodian.
Would you keep it in a collection—or give it one more run down the straightaway at Le Mans?
This amazing collection is being sold at Mecum’s largest sale of the year in Kissimmee, Florida. Visit their website to see other collections and vehicles on offer. Better yet, consign your car or collection today!
