The FIA sports prototypes were some of the most exciting purpose-built racing cars ever designed. They competed under the regulations set forth by the FIA (Federation International Automobile) in the International Championship of Makes from 1964-1971, and the World Championship of Makes from 1972-1981. The regulations changed somewhat as the years passed, 5.0-liter engines then 3.0- liter engines, etc., but the concept remained the same: to allow manufacturers to design the most fascinating, technically advanced sports racing cars the world had seen. Then have them compete in a World Championship, which included racing in the great endurance races such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Nürburgring, Spa and Monza 1000 Kilometers and the Targa Florio. Alfa Romeo, Alpine Renault, Ferrari, Ford, Lola, Matra and Porsche, all designed very lightweight, successful sports prototypes to compete in the World Championship. From this came the Alfa Romeo, Tipo 33/12, Ferrari 512M, Ford GT40, Matra 670 and Porsche 917. They were driven by the world’s best drivers at a time when Formula One drivers still enjoyed driving in sports car races. Today FIA sports prototypes qualify to race in many great historic events such as the Le Mans 24 Hour Classic, Classic Endurance Series and the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. Due to their technology, great designs, eligibility and low production numbers, FIA sports prototypes have steadily been increasing in value.
Matra MS 670 Sports Prototype
Matra (Mecanique Aviation Traction) was a French company, which was known for its success in manufacturing in the aerospace and weapons industry. In 1965, wanting to alter its image and take advantage of its unique group of engineers, it purchased the small automobiles Rene Bonnet company and ventured off into automobile production. Thus, the Matra road cars and soon to be racecars division was underway. This new company was very successful first, in 1967, Formula Two with Jacky Ickx in the MS5, then winning the 1969 Formula One world championship with Jackie Stewart driving the Matra MS80. Matra designed the MS630-650 and MS670 Sports Prototypes with their focus on winning the Le Mans 24 Hour endurance race and the World Championship of Makes. Matra was successful in winning the Le Mans 24 Hours in 1972-1973-1974 and the World Championship of Makes title in 1973 and 1974. Matra designed and built the chassis, body and 3.0 liter V12 engine. This was quite an accomplishment previously only undertaken by BRM, Ferrari and Alfa Romeo. This from a fairly new division of this aerospace and weapons company in a short number of years. Drivers included Henri Pescarolo, Jean Pierre Betoise, Graham Hill, Howden Ganley, Jean Pierre Jabouille, Jean Pierre Jarier and Gerard Larrousse. Today, it is exciting to see Rick and Rob Hall driving the cars of Aba Kogan in historic races so that we can all enjoy the sights and sounds of the Matra V12.
Ford GT40 MKII
In 1963, Ford Motor Company decided that it wanted to make its mark on International Motorsports, in particular to win the World Championship of Makes and the ultimate race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans. After a failed attempt at the purchase of Ferrari, and driven by the dreams of Henry Ford, a design team based in England was put together and in 1964 the first Ford GT took part in competition. It was a monocoque construction, powered by a 5.0-liter carbureted V-8, sturdy 5-speed ZF gearbox, four-wheel discs brakes, and independent suspension. Although heavy, it was reliable and fast and became known as the GT40. GT was for Grand Touring and 40 was for it being 40 inches high. The GT40 Mark I evolved into the Mark II and J4 7.0-liter cars. Less than 15 Mark II variants were built, 8 GT40 Mark II coupes, 3 lightweight GT40 XGT cars, and a Mark II roadster. Although heavier than the Mark I, the Mark II was surprisingly well-balanced, reliable, and fast. In 1966, it was able to win the major long-distance races finishing 1st, 2nd, 3rd at the Daytona 24 hrs, 1st, 2nd at the Sebring 12 Hours, and the controversial 1,2,3 finish at the Le Mans 24 Hour. The GT 40 Mark II is one of the most famous racing cars of the era and is still exciting to see at the track today.
Criteria Used For Assessing Valuations for this Guide:
- Degree of Originality
- Overall Condition, Restoration
- Technology, Design, Coachbuilder
- Production Numbers/Rarity
- Competition History
- Ownership History, Documentation
- Modern Event Eligibility
Regional Variances
The prices stated in this guide are based on U.S. values. The values of historic racing cars can vary as much as 25%-35% in other countries, depending on local market appeal, currency rates, import duties, and VAT. Most of the time, we are able to document known sales or closed escrows, as they say in real estate. When this is not possible, a logical estimate of the car’s value is given, based on its sales history and relationship to cars of its type.
The prices stated in this guide are based on U.S. values. The values of historic racing cars can vary as much as 25%-35% in other countries, depending on local market appeal, currency rates, import duties, and VAT.
LEVEL | VALUATION CATEGORIES |
|---|---|
I | The best combination of all criteria. |
II | Satisfies mid-range of criteria. |
III | In need of restoration. Meets only a few points of criteria |
