As few as 15 of the 300Fs produced in 1960 were fitted with a Special GT package that used a more powerful engine and 4-speed manual transmission.

The program was initiated by the Gran Turismo Project which modified the cars for speed runs down Daytona beach. Engine modifications included solid lifters, special piston rings, a high-lift camshaft and cast-iron headers. The long cross-ram intake manifold was also shortened and fitted with Carter 3084S carburetors.

The more powerful engine was mated the the vulnerable Pont-A-Mousson 4-speed manual that was typically fitted to the Facel Vegas.

At Daytona Beach, six GT Specials were lined up and the top placing car driven by Gregg Zeigler reached a record speed of 144.9 mph.

Our feature car was the record-breaking 300F that was driven home by Ziegler and sold to collector Bob McAtee. Remarkably, he retained the car for nearly 50 years, keeping in remarkably original condition with just 11,000 miles on the odometer.

Gooding & Company will offer record-breaking GT-Special at their upcoming Amelia Island Sale and describe it:

“According to the consignor, this 300 F GT Special has been perfectly preserved, is in original unrestored condition, has accumulated only 11,000 miles, and shows no sign of damage. Included with this car are the original Goodyear Blue Streak racing tires and a wealth of documentation.”

Story by Supercars.net