Exoto Ford GT40/Dan Gurney

This is a gorgeous detailed model of the 1966 Sebring 12 Hours car driven by Dan Gurney and Jerry Grant.

The stage was set for the "hare" to take a convincing victory until Gurney rounded the final corner of the final lap; Gurney's engine blew! He pushed the car across the finish line under the dark Florida night, only to be disqualified for doing so. Ken Miles and Lloyd Ruby ended up winning this race in another Ford GT 40.

Great images John! Thanks for the post.

Thanks for refreshing my memory, David. I think I'd heard about him pushing his car across the finish line, but I'd forgotten about it. My memory ain't what it used to be. Last year, I ordered some Prevegen to help, but I kept forgetting to take it! 😆

Beautiful model!  With the Exoto out of reach, I picked up the Shelby Collectibles version.  While nowhere near as detailed, it still looks good on display.

Ken Miles/Lloyd Ruby were driving the Ford GT40 X-1 Roadster. 

Here is the last lap description:

Gurney and Grant were still leading- and on the last lap, while Gurney was driving, the car's engine failed. People at the pits were expecting Gurney to take victory—but Ken Miles crossed the finish line first in the GT40 X-1. Gurney was pushing his GT40 Mk.II on the course, and he made it to the finish line. Pushing a car during the race was illegal, particularly with no lights on or with any reference of visibility, thus Gurney's GT40 car was disqualified, and the Holman/Moody entered GT40 Mk.II was awarded 2nd place. 3rd was an Essex Wire entered GT40 Mk.I of Skip Scott and Peter Revson, and then a works Porsche finished 4th.

Posted by: @john3976

Ken Miles/Lloyd Ruby were driving the Ford GT40 X-1 Roadster. 

Here is the last lap description:

Gurney and Grant were still leading- and on the last lap, while Gurney was driving, the car's engine failed. People at the pits were expecting Gurney to take victory—but Ken Miles crossed the finish line first in the GT40 X-1. Gurney was pushing his GT40 Mk.II on the course, and he made it to the finish line. Pushing a car during the race was illegal, particularly with no lights on or with any reference of visibility, thus Gurney's GT40 car was disqualified, and the Holman/Moody entered GT40 Mk.II was awarded 2nd place. 3rd was an Essex Wire entered GT40 Mk.I of Skip Scott and Peter Revson, and then a works Porsche finished 4th.

 

I'm surprised that a veteran like Gurney wouldn't have known he would be disqualified for pushing his car.

@jack-dodds

I was thinking the same thing. I guess in that long of a race, he was exhausted and exhilarated at the same time. I've seen other drivers do things in the "fog" of racing that they should have known not to do, i.e. getting out and working on your car during a NASCAR red flag.

@john-shamblin

Now why do you want to go and talk about Sterling Marlin for? He did get out of his car at Daytona under a red flag and while on the track stopped with the other cars he looked at the left front fender that was rubbing the tire in the corners and he pulled on it which led to him being penalized. To bad as Sterling Marlin was having a very good race. 

Dan Gurney enjoyed much success with his Type 19, often outpacing other more powerful machines. In early 1962, he was victorious at the Daytona 3 Hours. This was one of his most memorable victories, as he crossed the line with a blown engine.

@john3976

I'd forgotten it was Sterlin Marlin. He was a good driver! And I call myself a NASCAR fan?

🙄 

@john-shamblin

Thats OK, Nigel Mansell pushed his Lotus at the Detroit Grand Prix when I think it ran out of fuel on the last lap. 

Great pics of the Gurney/Grant #2 GT !

Thanks John !

Steve