1964 Ford Falcon Sprint FIA

FIA Papers and superbly prepared for 2019 by Martin Stretton Racing. Impressive specification

Raced at Goodwood Members Meeting, Silverstone Classic, and the Spa Six hours during 2017

Only testing and shakedown hours on the rebuilt Mass Racing 289 small block V8 during 2018

Classic big V8 Touring Car. Eligible for Masters Pre-66. Incredible fun on a sensible budget

Ford's second-generation Falcon, launched in 1964, never really stood a chance against its glamorous sibling, the Mustang, and even the Sprint Package, introduced in late 1964, which provided the Falcon with a 260ci V8, stiffer suspension, and a louder exhaust couldn't drag customers away from the similarly equipped 'new kid in town' and Falcon Sprint production prematurely ceased in 1965. However, properly prepared, the Falcon Sprint was a very effective competition car and became a proven race winner in the US. British racegoers were denied a close look at the Falcon, however, until a couple of years later in 1967 when the British Saloon Car Championship changed to less restrictive, Group 5 regulations. The talented team at Alan Mann Racing decided to reuse one of their 1964 Monte Carlo Rally cars and senior mechanic, Brian Lewis, was tasked with converting it into a BSCC racer. He fully rebuilt the car using state of the art suspension (in 1967), a 302ci power unit, and GT40 brakes, and clothed in Alan Mann's distinctive Red and Gold livery, the resulting combination delighted crowds all around the UK on its way to securing a Championship win for Frank Gardner and AMR.

The car was entrusted to Martin Stretton Racing in 2016 with the brief that it was to be fully prepared for two drivers in joint ownership to race for the Six Hours of Spa-Francorchamps. In 2017 it ran at the Goodwood Members Meeting, Silverstone Classic, and in the Masters Pre-66 Touring Cars. However, plans changed when one owner withdrew and our vendor was obliged to purchase the remaining 50% of the car which complicated his existing race plans and meant that he was unable to make use of this fastidiously prepared and intelligently engineered racing Falcon.

Consequently, the 'Mass Racing' 289ci small-block Ford engine has only completed testing and shakedown hours since its full rebuild at the end of 2017 and the willing 400 odd horses have never been harnessed in anger.

The impressive build specification includes: -

Lightweight Alunox s/steel exhaust.

Race-spec, alloy case T10, close-ratio 4-speed transmission with a bespoke prop shaft

Final drive 4.1:1 with Gripper LSD. Rear axle 8" type with Strange driveshafts.

Fully computer modelled suspension by Nigel Rees GSD RaceDyn.

Sportline double-adjustable shocks in Koni bodies. 1 1/8th front anti-roll bar.

Quick-ratio steering box. Quick-release Moto-Lita steering wheel.

New endurance 160-litre foam-filled fuel tank with gauge. Holley Blue fuel pump with pre and post filters.

Professionally restored steel shell with Custom Cages rollover protection.

The car weighs 1140Kg dry with GRP bonnet, boot lid, doors and front wings.

Polycarbonate side and rear screens. Heated, laminated glass windscreen. Smiths instruments and Odyssey race battery.

Aluminium bumpers front and rear with spare GRP set supplied for less strict events.

Wheels x 8no. -5.5J x 15 Compomotive ML with Dunlop CR65 Historic tyres.

There is a comprehensive race and service history file compiled to Martin Stretton's normal meticulous standards and we understand that the file also contains historic invoices amounting to around £85,000. This V8 'beastie' is ready to go for 2019 and offers access to the Masters Pre-66 Touring Cars series offers along with, of course, the wonderful Six Hours of Spa in September. The ultimate crowd pleaser.