1961 Ford Thunderbird Convertible Indianapolis 500 Festival Car

• Used at the 1961 Indianapolis 500 race
• One of believed 5 remaining
• Three owners from new
• Present ownership since 2013
• Restored in the USA in 1990
• Course Car at the Goodwood Revival Meeting 2008-2021
• Well documented

This magnificent Ford Thunderbird Indianapolis 500 Festival Car is one of 34 pace vehicles used at the track for the 1961 race, and with documents on file confirming it was used in the parade at the 1961 event. At the event, there were two cars with white seats used as Pace cars, 32 were "Festival cars" with black seats, of which only five are believed to remain inclusive of the car we are offering here.

After the race the Thunderbird was bought from the Indianapolis Ford distributor by Mr Paul Thrasher of Columbus, Ohio (see Service Policy document on file). Mr Thrasher kept the car for 28 years, using it occasionally during summer months.

In 1989 Mr Thrasher moved to Arizona and the Thunderbird was sold, having covered around 54,000 miles, to Mr Derek Boulton; apparently, the car had not moved for some 10 years. Over the next 18 months the Thunderbird was restored to pristine condition and completed in time for the running of the 1991 Indy 500. The '91 event was the race's 75th anniversary as well as marking 30 years since this Thunderbird Pace Car had participated there. Its involvement with the 75th anniversary celebrations included taking drivers from the 1961 race around the track; participating in the downtown parade on the eve of the race; and taking part in the parade around the track on race day, on all occasions driven by Derek Boulton. Derek drove the car at Goodwood from 2008-2010 before it was sold to the current vendor in 2013. The 'Indy' Thunderbird has made numerous appearances as a VIP course car at the Goodwood Revival Meeting, on one occasion being driven by Lord March (now the Duke of Richmond) with American astronaut Buzz Aldrin in the passenger seat. The car has been used by the Clerk of the Course to inspect the circuit.

This Thunderbird has the 390ci (6.5-litre) 300bhp V8 engine with Holley 4-barrel carburettor. Accessories include power brakes, power steering, power windows, power seats, power convertible top, two-speed wipers/electric screen washers, 'swing away' steering column, and leather interior trim. The current vendor has spent a considerable sum during his ownership has meant the car is kept in top working condition. The history file is worthy of close inspection.

The car comes with two extensive files of history containing numerous bills relating to its restoration in the USA; various catalogues; workshop manual; manufacturer's brochure; and a press cutting concerning the 1991 Indy 500. A jack, tools and a box of spares are included in the sale.