In the annals of motorsport history, certain machines transcend mere engineering, becoming icons, embodying an era, and igniting the passions of generations. The Ford GT40, a name synonymous with speed, endurance, and American racing prowess, stands firmly within this pantheon.
Now, from the innovative minds at REC Watches, a timepiece emerges that forges an extraordinary link to this legendary marque: the P/1001 FAV Shelby (£2236), a chronograph meticulously crafted from the very metal of the first-ever production GT40 MkI chassis P/1001, transforming automotive history into horological artistry. This is not merely a commemorative watch; it is a relic, a wearable embodiment of racing heritage, meticulously Swiss-made and infused with the spirit of speed and competition.
The P/1001 Series, a limited edition collection from REC, pays homage to this seminal vehicle, the chassis number that marked the pivotal transition from GT40 prototype to production reality in March 1965. This particular car, GT40 P/1001, holds a unique place in history, showcased at the 1965 New York Auto Show and World’s Fair before embarking on a remarkable racing career spanning over 70 events.
Driven by luminaries such as Jackie Ickx, Denny Hulme, and Mike Hailwood, P/1001 graced iconic tracks across Europe, its livery evolving from Essex Wire’s striking red and white to Sidney Taylor Racing Team’s distinctive green and gold. Now, REC captures the essence of this racing legacy with three distinct colourways within the P/1001 series, each inspired by these historic liveries. The FAV Shelby edition, the focus of our attention, proudly embodies the original Shelby blue and Wimbledon white, instantly evoking the visual language of motorsport legend.
The defining element of the P/1001 series lies in its tachymeter scales, each one meticulously crafted from repurposed aluminium coolant pipes salvaged directly from the GT40 chassis P/1001 itself. This remarkable integration of automotive history into a horological creation establishes an unparalleled connection between race track and wrist, transforming a functional component of a legendary machine into a key design feature of a luxury timepiece. Encircling the vintage-inspired dial, these tachymeter scales, protected beneath the top sapphire crystal, whisper tales of roaring engines and adrenaline-fueled pursuits.
The 40mm case diameter subtly echoes the “40” in GT40, a deliberate design choice that further reinforces the automotive DNA of the watch. The dial itself, multi-dimensional and imbued with depth, is protected by an AR-coated sapphire crystal, ensuring optimal legibility and a sleek, layered aesthetic. Hands and indices generously filled with Swiss Super-LumiNova X1 guarantee unwavering clarity in all lighting conditions, seamlessly blending vintage inspiration with modern functionality.
Beneath the surface, the P/1001 FAV Shelby houses the meticulously crafted Swiss RC-P1001M manual-winding flyback chronograph movement. This sophisticated calibre, visible through the exhibition caseback framed by a steering wheel motif rendered in sapphire crystal, boasts a column-wheel operated flyback chronograph function, a testament to horological complexity and precision. With a 63-hour power reserve and a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, this 23-jewel movement delivers exceptional performance and reliability, further underscored by its Swiss-Made certification and individual numbering, ensuring exclusivity and collectability.
The movement’s finishing, including a black sandblasted main plate and a rhodium semi-skeletonized top bridge adorned with Côtes de Genève, adds a further layer of visual artistry, transforming the caseback into a miniature horological spectacle.
Completing the P/1001 FAV Shelby is an integrated bracelet, meticulously designed for both comfort and elegant aesthetics. Featuring a subtle micro-adjustment system within the final links, the bracelet ensures a perfect and personalised fit for any wrist, further enhancing the overall wearing experience.
The slim profile of the RC-P1001-M calibre, measuring a mere 7.00mm in thickness, allows the watch to maintain a refined wrist presence despite its chronograph functionality and robust construction, mirroring the elegance and streamlined silhouette of the iconic GT40 itself. The REC P/1001 FAV Shelby is more than just a timepiece; it is a wearable piece of motorsport history, a limited edition chronograph that embodies the spirit of racing legend and the art of Swiss watchmaking, destined to become a treasured possession for discerning collectors and automotive enthusiasts alike, bridging the gap between Le Mans and the wrist with unparalleled style and heritage.
