Proof that childhood dreams really can come true is Dusty Powter and his Mk1 Ford GT40. Dusty freely admits that he's been a "Shelby nut since he was a tiny tot" and after just five minutes talking toDusty about his car its easy to tell it's his passion.
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I recently caught up with Dusty to find out a bit more about his car and there' shardly enough pages to share the knowledge that he has about the GT40, but I'll do my best.
For those that aren't familiar with the legendary status of the GT40, it was born in 1965 from a genuine racetrack rivalry (some may even say hatred) between the Americans Henry Ford second and Carroll Shelby and their Italian counterpart Enzo Ferrari at Le Mans.
First built in 1965 with a 289 V8 it wasn't a success until the next year when the GT40 placed first, second and third at Le Mans to finally beat theFerrari.
The winning streak carried through to 1969 with the 1968 'Gulf GT40' being the only car in the history of motor racing to win consecutively at Le Mans.
Dusty's car is a 2009 build Mk1 GT40 which was imported into Australia from South Africa where the GT40 continues to be manufactured today.
"The GT40's arrive here as a rolling chassis direct from the factory" Dusty said "with owners able to choose there own driveline.
"Dusty's GT40 has a modern 302 cubic inch Coyote Aluminator alloy V8 race engine making a massive 620 horsepower at the flywheel.
The GT40 has a rear engine and the view of the Aussie built eight stack fuel injection under a glass hood is pure art for motorheads.
There's a five speed transmission and just two seats as you'd expect for a sports car. After squeezing through the doors, there's not areal lot ofheadroom, hence the drivers side roof bubble.
"You've gotta have the ultimate option Gurney bubble" laughed Dusty.
"Famous race driver Dan Gurney at 6'7" couldn't fit his helmet under the roof so the Shelby boy scout a piece from the roof and fashioned it around the shape of his helmet and affectionately named it the Gurney bubble."
"For me it's all about driving the car and sharing the story"said Dusty.
Annual Charity Show and Shine
Dusty is a member of the Central West Car Club which is holding its annual Charity Show and Shine on Saturday, October 19 at Pioneer Oval in Parkes so be sure to save the date.
Parkes Tyrepower and Mechanical in association with Parkes Antique Motor Club and Shannons presents the Central West Car Club 15th Annual Charity Show'n Shine and Market Day with the PAMC Annual Swap Meet.
This Car Show is run to raise money for the Parkes Branch of Can Assist.
Gold coin donation for the public to the car show, $5 to the PAMC swap meet. See CWCC website for vehicle entries. www.centralwestcarclub.com.
Meetings held first Wednesday of the month at the Leagues Club at 7:30pm. Feel free to join us at 6:30pm to 7pm for a social dinner before the meeting.
