Classic Carlectables 18723 Ford Cortina GT500 - 1965 Bathurst Winner

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There were 55 cars starting the 1965 Bathurst, the biggest entry the race had ever seen. There were a lot of firsts for the race this year, the first international drivers appeared and the first time a Japanese car would race. It was also the first time a outright winner was recognised, this saw fierce competition by manufactures to produce a race winning car, and bragging rights of a true Bathust winner.
The main competition for the outright winner was between the Mini Cooper S and the Cortina GT 500. The Geoghegan brothers Cortina was favourite and secured Pole Position, although the Minis had not qualified well, they were pushing their way through the field once the flag dropped. While the leaders were battling out in front, Seton was running comfortably further back in 5th position.
The GT 500 was a one-off race car and was not yet race proven. After the Geoghegan Cortina completed its first stop, the car was low on power and immediately returned back to the pits for new plugs. Several Cortinas had began to retire from the race, but the Seton/Bosworth car was going strong and now leading from McPhee/Mulholland, also in a Cortina.
Although the Mini Coopers were as quick as the Cortinas, the extended fuel tank of the GT 500 gave them the edge. The 11D Cortina GT 500 of Seton/Bosworth would go on to a comfortable win, two minutes ahead of McPhee.

Item includes certificate and production number plate, mounted to the chassis.