Description
The Can-Am (Canadian-American) series is the stuff of legend. From 1966 to 1974, it showcased the fastest and most powerful sports cars in the world. With minimal regulations encouraging constant innovation, the series produced thrilling—and often fiercely contested—racing. The world's best drivers flocked to it, including champions from Formula 1, IndyCar, endurance racing, and even the occasional NASCAR star. (This information is from an article by Geoff Piggott)
A perfect storm of smart scheduling, open-minded rule-making, and major sponsorship from Johnson Wax—eager to tap into a growing audience of racing fans—drew top drivers, teams, manufacturers, and sponsors to North America's premier road courses. Over nine incredible seasons, engine power surged from around 600 horsepower to over 1, 200, and sometimes as high as 1, 500.
The Can-Am series originally ran from 1966 to 1974, paused due to the oil crisis, and then returned from 1977 through 1987. During its heyday, it attracted legendary drivers such as John Surtees, Bruce McLaren, Denny Hulme, Chris Amon, Jacky Ickx, Phil Hill, Dan Gurney, Peter Revson, Al Holbert, Mark Donohue, Mario Andretti, and Keke Rosberg, among many others.
Initially a Formula Libre-style series for sports cars with few restrictions—and engines producing up to 1, 500 bhp in qualifying trim—it drew major international manufacturers like McLaren, Porsche, Shadow, and Lola. High-profile teams and sponsors followed. Races were held at iconic North American tracks including Watkins Glen, Mosport, Riverside, and Laguna Seca, drawing large crowds and television audiences.
John Surtees won the inaugural 1966 season in a Lola. From 1967 to 1970, the series became known as the "Bruce and Denny Show," with McLaren teammates Bruce McLaren and Denny Hulme dominating. Peter Revson continued McLaren's success in 1971, followed by Porsche in 1972 and 1973, and Shadow in 1974. When the series resumed in 1977, it adopted new regulations based on Formula 5000 open-wheel cars, but with enclosed bodies—mostly using modified Lola chassis and Chevrolet V8 engines capable of exceeding 320 km/ h.
This car, NF-11, is one of four "Spyder" cars built in Santa Barbara, California, as the NF-10 and NF-11 models in 1978 and 1979. According to former owner Bill Freeman and crew chief Jeff Johnson, it is the only surviving original Spyder car of the four in the world—confirmed by an inscription on the front bulkhead and signed letters of authenticity from both men. The car was fully restored in Australia by Andrew, with guidance from original team members in the U. S.
The car was part of the Paul Newman and Bill Freeman (NF) Racing Team, sponsored by Budweiser, the Edmonton Oilers hockey team, and Goodyear. Its drivers included Keke Rosberg—who would win the Formula 1 World Championship in 1982 and is father of future champion Nico Rosberg—as well as accomplished American driver Elliot Forbes-Robinson ("EFR"). Other drivers who raced with the team included Bobby Rahal, Patrick Depailler, and Randolph Townsend. Andrew's car is presented in the exact livery and specification Keke drove in 1979.
The NF-10 Spyder performed well in 1978, with EFR finishing fourth in the Drivers' Championship. In 1979, Keke won the season opener at Road Atlanta in an NF-11, with EFR finishing third in another. At Charlotte, EFR took second and Keke third. At Mosport, EFR finished second while Keke and Townsend both crashed out. At Mid-Ohio, Keke claimed second and EFR third. Keke then won at Watkins Glen, though both EFR and Townsend retired with mechanical issues. EFR finished second overall in the 1979 championship, with Keke fourth, and Newman-Freeman Racing claimed the Teams' Championship by a single point over the Carl Haas team.
Still very active on the Australian racing scene. A quick Google search will reveal countless videos of this monster in action.
FIVA certificate, documentation and a list of spares accompany the car.
Located in Australia Can help with shipping.
Price is $300, 000. 00 US OBO
