Ford vs. Ferrari
1967 FERRARI 330 P4 #3
by Michele Conti
Michele Conti built and delivered a unique 1:11 scale model of chassis (0856) to Erwin Goldschmidt on October 30, 1967. This model epitomizes the #3 car driven by Lorenzo Bandini and Chris Amon that won the 1967 1000KM Monza G.P. of Italy.
Provenance:
Michele Conti (1931-1996)
Erwin Goldschmidt (1916-1970) acquired from Conti in Italy
Anthony Goldschmidt (1942-2014)
This model includes a Michele Conti certificate of authenticity dated October 30, 1967.
15 ¼ l. x 6 ¾ w. x 4 ¼ h. in. (presented with a wood base and a plexiglass cover in excellent condition)
Ferrari debuted the P4 in 1967 to replace the prior year's P3, and only three were ever built. Today only one original still exists, chassis (0856) owned by Canadian Lawrence Stroll. He bought the (0856) car in 2000 for US$ 9 million from Bernie Ecclestone, and its history and uniqueness make this P4 one of the most expensive vehicles in the world today. Mauro Forghieri's technical race expertise and Franco Rocchi's engine redesign contributed greatly to win the overall 1967 World Championship.
The year started with Ferrari's stunning comeback at the 24 hours of Daytona with the P4's taking first and second and the P3 third. Even though Ford claimed victory at the 1967 Le Mans, the second and third place finish for the P4's was a very strong challenge. Rule changes made the P4 obsolete by the following year, and two of the three cars were converted to 350 Can-Am racers.
1964 Ford GT Coupé Prototype
In the spring of 1965, two custom examples of the 1:12 scale Ford GT Prototype model built by Michele Conti were commissioned by Erwin Goldschmidt. Completed in December of the same year, he then personally presented one of the models to Henry Ford II. Included with its original Conti certificate of authenticity dated December 7, 1965, this example measures 14½ l. x 6¼ w. x 3¾ h. in. Mounted to a wooden base and covered in Plexiglas. Excellent condition.
Provenance:
Michele Conti (1931-1996)
Erwin Goldschmidt (1916-1970) acquired from Conti in Italy
Anthony Goldschmidt (1942-2014)
As the predecessor of the GT40, 12 Ford GT's (grand touring) were produced. Serial #'s GT 101 through GT 112 were known as prototypes . Since the early 1960's, Henry Ford II wanted to have Fords race at Le Mans. When Ferrari opened the door to a sale, it was Ford that entered the negotiations, but disputes over open wheel racing prompted Enzo Ferrari to break off the deal. More determined than ever, Ford set out to find a company to beat Ferrari. Eric Broadley's Lola Cars International was selected, and the Ford Advanced Vehicles Ltd. project was born, headed up by ex-Aston Martin team manager, John Wyer. GT 101 was built near Heathrow Airport on March 16, 1963. Marred by failures, Wyer was replaced by Carrol Shelby after the 1964 Nassau race. While 1965 was also mostly a disaster, in February Shelby's maiden race did produce a victory at the Daytona 2000.
1964 Ford GT Coupé Prototype
Other Michele Conti models:
1961 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa #10
1967 Ford Shelby GT40 MKIV #1
1970 Ferrari 512S #21