Rowan Atkinson’s Goodwood Ford Falcon racer is for sale

Make your Goodwood dreams come true

The St Mary’s Trophy races are often some of the most popular and action-packed at the Goodwood Revival, and this 1964 Ford Falcon is a veteran of such epic contests.

And now it is for sale, crossing the block with Silverstone Auctions this Saturday, 27 March 2021, where it is predicted it will achieve £55-65,000.

Let’s find out more about this eye-catching, pedigree-rich classic racing car.

Star appeal

We gave it away in the heading, but maybe the eagle-eyed among you spotted it in the previous slide.

Yes, that’s right, this Ford Falcon is currently owned by none other than Rowan Atkinson CBE. Or you might know him as Mr Bean, or Edmund Blackadder in Blackadder.

The famous actor and comedian has become a household name thanks to several high-profile roles, and he is also a keen car collector, as well as a classic motorsport enthusiast and competitor.

Sunglasses needed?

As you can see, whether you’re viewing this Ford from inside or out, you’re going to need to be a fan of turquoise. There is no getting away from that colour.

However, it is a period shade, should that matter to you.

Stickers of approval

This car certainly wears its provenance where you can see it.

Still wrapped around its rollcage are stickers stating it has passed scrutineering ahead of competing in the 2014 Goodwood Revival, among other events.

Indeed, it has also been campaigned at the Silverstone Classic, and at meetings held at Snetterton in Norfolk and at Chimay in Belgium.

Long-time friend

Atkinson has been the owner of this Ford a long time – 15 years, in fact.

He bought it in 2006 and with the car always well presented it has competed sporadically, but it is said that a lack of time to use it is what’s prompted the decision to sell.

Top-notch care

Here’s hoping this weekend’s winning bidder wants to return this Falcon to the race track, because it appears to be a very well prepared car with bags of potential.

As you might expect with a celebrity owner, it has been professionally maintained throughout the last 15 years.

The thunder

Since 2014 this Ford has been run by John Freeman Racing who’s based not far from Goodwood.

And, of course, under that long, striped bonnet is this lovely, large V8, built by specialist Steve Warrior to what was his ultimate specification at the time.

Paperwork pending

This Falcon has been constructed in accordance with FIA regulations.

Because it hasn’t been raced in 2019 or 2020 (we’re sure you can guess why), it doesn’t have current FIA/HTP papers, but they’ve been applied for to permit the Ford to run in ‘Class CT10 (period F 1962-1965)’.

Silverstone Auctions says, ‘there is no known reason why the car should not immediately re-qualify’, so the lack of current paperwork ought not to be of huge concern to any prospective bidders.

Fired up

Once that paperwork comes through, this Falcon is ready to fly.

After all, its racing harness seatbelts, bucket seat, fire extinguishers and other safety equipment are all brand-new, meaning they are still ‘in date’, ready for a new season of competition.

Work, work, work

While lockdown has seen this car fall silent for the last few years, prior to that it received significant TLC.

Back in 2018 more than £7000 was invested in its brakes and to improved engine cooling, while a new radiator and aluminium bumpers were fitted, too.

Road ready, too

Included in this car’s comprehensive history file, detailing the work carried out during Rowan Atkinson’s custodianship, are MoTs.

Yes, this Ford is also road-legal.

A versatile classic

This means that as well as the many racing series it is eligible for – HSCC, HRDC, Motor Racing Legends, Masters Historics and more – it could also simply be enjoyed on the road.

It could also be used on tours or in historic road rallies.

Limited capacity

The only problem is, if you’d like to go rallying with a navigator or enjoy a tour with a loved one, you’ll need to fit a second seat!

Yes, being a track-focused racer, this Falcon has just the one bucket seat.

Spoilt for choice

But if track-biased pursuits are what this car’s winning bidder is all about, good news.

Vendor Silverstone Auctions has confirmed that this Falcon is eligible for the Motor Racing Legends Royal Automobile Club Pall Mall Cup – indeed, it’s ready for all of Europe’s pre-’65 FIA series.

Parts supply

And when the gavel falls on this Ford Falcon racer, the winning bidder won’t get just a colourful classic.

Spares including a set of wheels and tyres, a limited-slip differential and body moulds are being sold with it, too.

Bang on?

Silverstone Auctions believes that this car’s £55-65,000 pre-sale estimate is realistic.

The auction house says it gives its next owner ‘some room to update the car and once again make it a competitive proposition on the track’.

Seasoned competitor

What this Falcon will actually achieve on Saturday remains to be seen.

But with COVID restrictions in the UK beginning to ease and the return of motorsport imminent, this sale is well-timed to help someone start their 2021 racing season in serious style.

Top class

This second-generation Ford Falcon, from the same year the firm launched the Mustang, surely must be one of the best race-prepared examples there are.

Professionally built and maintained with no expense spared, inside and out it is a fine machine.

Ready to go

That it has received this level of care and pampering despite its relatively limited use surely means there’s much untapped potential and plenty of life left in it.

Little and large

Having been a Goodwood Revival front-runner in the fantastic ‘David and Goliath’ battles that often play out during the St Mary’s Trophy races, it has definitely demonstrated its calibre.

And its ability to go sideways and smoke its tyres

Excellent opportunity

Given its apparently strong condition, its impeccable provenance and its eligibility for so many pre-’65 races, this Ford Falcon has a lot going for it.

If your eyes can cope with its dazzling, turquoise finish.

In good company

Mr Bean’s, sorry, Rowan Atkinson’s Ford Falcon racing car will go under the hammer with Silverstone Auctions at its Race Retro Live Online Auction on Saturday 27 March, which kicks off at 10am.

It is lot number 211 and will follow and ex-Jim Clark Lotus, no less!

To check out the full auction catalogue, please click here.