FPV Appoints Allan Moffat as Ambassador

[mcnews]

FPV Appoints Allan Moffat as Ambassador

Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) today announced the appointment of racing legend Allan Moffat as its official Ambassador.

Moffat will represent FPV at major events and in some exciting new programs throughout 2010, as Ford's performance arm steps up its activities in the new decade.

The four-time Bathurst winner has a long history with the Ford brand, which started in the late '60s as a factory team driver and culminated with the famous 1-2 Falcon hardtop team victory with Colin Bond at Mt Panorama in 1977.

"I am delighted to welcome Allan Moffat to our team," FPV General Manager Rod Barrett says.

"Allan brings with him an unrivalled Ford heritage and enormous credibility with the history of performance Fords in Australia, and that has an obvious connect with our brand and our customers."

"But more than that, Allan has a real feel for 'performance cars' and what performance enthusiasts value, and that adds further to his role as FPV's roving Ambassador."

Allan Moffat's record has made him a motor racing icon in Australia.

Along with four Bathurst victories, he won the Sandown endurance race six times, was Australian Touring Car Champion four times, and won both the Australian Sports Sedan and Sports Car Championship titles.

Overseas Moffat won the Sebring 12 Hours in Florida, was Sports Car Club of America Central Division Champion, and was victorious in 500 kilometre races at Fuji (Japan), Monza (Italy) and Wellington (New Zealand).

He also took class honours in each of the international 24 hour races at Le Mans (France), Daytona (America) and Spa (Belgium).

Allan's son James also has a strong Ford connection, racing a Falcon in the 2010 V8 Supercar Development Series.

"Ford is such a big part of my history, it is fantastic to be joining FPV in 2010," Allan Moffat says.

"FPV's products are fabulous … our racing cars didn't perform or handle as well as these cars do … so I am proud to represent FPV in Australia, and look forward to working with Rod and his team."

[SSD-85]

Wow, this is indeed a suprise. Could it be hinting at a HO program?

[4VCLEVO]

Thats great news, couldn't think of a better ambassador for FPV.

[sgxr8]

It's a family affair now with James at FPR. Anyone who has spoken personally to Allan will know that his blood runs blue despite dalliances in other brands. He is the man who got me interested in high performance Fords in the late 60s and i can think of no better person to do the job.Well done Moff.
Cheers
GT450

[Outback]

what did moffet really do?

[vztrt]

Originally Posted by Outback

what did moffet really do?

More then a lot of drivers did in this country.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allan_Moffat

[GasoLane]

Originally Posted by Outback

what did moffet really do?

Someones been living on another planet.

Asking What Moffat did is like asking "What did Jim Clark do for Lotus!"

[russellw]

Originally Posted by Outback

what did moffet really do?

Let's try 4 Bathurst wins (1970/71/73/77)

4 Australian Touring Car championships (1973/76/77 and 1983)

1 South Pacific Touring Car championship (1970)

1 Australian Sports Sedan Championship (1976)

1 Australian Sports Car Championship (1980)

2 Australian Endurance championships (1980 & 82)

Cheers
Russ

[DJL351]

Originally Posted by russellw

Let's try 4 Bathurst wins (1970/71/73/77)

4 Australian Touring Car championships (1973/76/77 and 1983)

1 South Pacific Touring Car championship (1970)

1 Australian Sports Sedan Championship (1976)

1 Australian Sports Car Championship (1980)

2 Australian Endurance championships (1980 & 82)

Cheers
Russ

Awesome list - it really is; however, who under the age of 30 really knows him?

Surely there would be 'newer' names out there they could have used?
Seto?
Bowe?
Or even DJ?

Given the 'link' between FPV & FPR; wouldn't someone who raced in the 'modern' V8 Supercar era be better suited?

[4Vman]

Originally Posted by russellw

Let's try 4 Bathurst wins (1970/71/73/77)

4 Australian Touring Car championships (1973/76/77 and 1983)

1 South Pacific Touring Car championship (1970)

1 Australian Sports Sedan Championship (1976)

1 Australian Sports Car Championship (1980)

2 Australian Endurance championships (1980 & 82)

Cheers
Russ

Not to mention extensive consultation and input on the original GTHO program....

A great step in my opinion, i bet Everyone, regardless of age knows who Dale Earnhardt or Carrol Shelby is in the states...

[buggerlugs]

Originally Posted by Outback

what did moffet really do?

You obviously forgot to take your meds today.................

[MO]

Not to forget Allans fight with CAMS to bring greater safety into the sport back in the 1970s.

[magoo66]

Originally Posted by sgxr8

It's a family affair now with James at FPR. Anyone who has spoken personally to Allan will know that his blood runs blue despite dalliances in other brands. He is the man who got me interested in high performance Fords in the late 60s and i can think of no better person to do the job.Well done Moff.
Cheers
GT450

Ah yes, the glory days. A.M. inspired mine, my fathers and most of my friends love of the blue oval. For any true blue blood, I think the part of your post that I've made bold says all that needs to be said about A.M.

[tex]

Originally Posted by 4VCLEVO

Thats great news, couldn't think of a better ambassador for FPV.

I can, and his name is John Bowe.

Seems a very strange direction they've gone, JB has done developement work on every new FPV model so far, and Tickford prior to that.

Alan Moffat doesn;t come across as laid back, or as approachable as JB.

I have met both guys, and I know which one I'd prefer to be plugging my product.

No offence attended to Alan Moffat!

[4Vman]

Originally Posted by tex

I can, and his name is John Bowe.

Seems a very strange direction they've gone, JB has done developement work on every new FPV model so far, and Tickford prior to that.

Alan Moffat doesn;t come across as laid back, or as approachable as JB.

I have met both guys, and I know which one I'd prefer to be plugging my product.

No offence attended to Alan Moffat!

JB doesnt have the awe or credentials that Moffat does though.... Moffat is far more recognizable and a Ford Legend and Icon... JB is an ex racer with some Ford history, that's the difference...

[mrbaxr6t]

Bowe is a great guy no doubt but him and Moffat are from different points in history. They cannot be compared against each other as that is unfair to both, kind of like comparing sir Jack Brabham to Ayrton Senna both heavyweights but from different times.

[cosmo20btt]

Originally Posted by 4Vman

JB doesnt have the awe or credentials that Moffat does though.... Moffat is far more recognizable and a Ford Legend and Icon... JB is an ex racer with some Ford history, that's the difference...

JB also has a busy schedule with the Masters series.

[RedHotGT]

Originally Posted by tex

I can, and his name is John Bowe.

Seems a very strange direction they've gone, JB has done developement work on every new FPV model so far, and Tickford prior to that.

Alan Moffat doesn;t come across as laid back, or as approachable as JB.

I have met both guys, and I know which one I'd prefer to be plugging my product.

No offence attended to Alan Moffat!

I think that it all depends on what sort of product they are trying to promote...

John Bowe - obviously a veteran race driver, endorses many products and services out there, and has been involved in various Ford Racing teams for years...

Though (personal opinion) I think he would be the more conservative choice, he has a reputation of being a sensible driver, with a good reputation.

Allan Moffat on the other hand, whilst still having a good reputation (particularly in the eyes of Ford fans) was around in the Era of the HO... and that raises the question of why they may have chosen him. He was the driver of the most famous race cars we have, then there is the GT-HO PH4 link, and also the famous Coupes...

If they are trying to go down the revival of the 70's muscle car craze... then Moffat is their man...
If they are trying to market a more sensible and anti-hoon style FPV, then I think John Bowe would be a great choice...

Again, personal opinions, so flame at your leisure... :

[tezxr8man]

Originally Posted by tex

I can, and his name is John Bowe.

Seems a very strange direction they've gone, JB has done developement work on every new FPV model so far, and Tickford prior to that.

Alan Moffat doesn;t come across as laid back, or as approachable as JB.

I have met both guys, and I know which one I'd prefer to be plugging my product.

No offence attended to Alan Moffat!

I would still compare their work look at the GTHO and look at the ELGT, First is a legend hands down and the EL although a GREAT car it still wasn't any Where near what it should have been
If Moffat has anything to do with development i have faith that it'll be a weapon, hopefully enough to wipe the floor with those snooty lil jap cars at the bathurst 12 hour

[DJL351]

Originally Posted by Rodp

I suspect the target market for a blown FPV would be 30+

Moffat and HO go together like wine and cheese. Personally, I feel that Moffat in the camp adds a lot of credibility to the project and I'm very interested in what comes out the other end.

Credibility? How? What input has AM had in the FGII? Why are people talking about a car that still may not be remade? (the HO)
My understanding is that the car has already been signed off on.
Even if the package hasn't been completely finished, what input could AM really provide now? Surely his age and lack of drive 'time' would make it difficult to use any feedback he provided.
Where as, someone like JB, who, while not in the 'main game' is still out of the track racing, doing advanced driver course etc.

Originally Posted by Rodp

Is Joe Public about to slap down 70 large for a blown V8?!

This isn't about attracting Joe Public to rock up to their nearest FPV dealer, it's about inspiring enthusiasts to do so. Moffat and Brock, there's no two bigger names that inspire Ford vs Holden in my opinion.

For me personally, if Bowe, Johnson or Seton were to lend their support behind the new GT I'd think, meh. Digging Moffat out of the cotton balls gets my blood pumping. Moffat is the epitome of Ford V8. IMO, he is the PERFECT choice. I don't care that under 30's may never heard of him. There's a thing called google. If they care, they'll look him up. They'll see who he is, who he was and why there's no better choice to back up FPV.

FPV, my hats off to you.

Again, this is what I am trying to get across - AM has done how much 'racing' in the last 5/10/15 years?
Sure, in the 60/70's when he was racing, there would have been on one better to 'test' and advise Ford/Tickford/FPV/SVO (whatever name you wish to use) - as he was at the top of the game.

The name Moffat stirs up just as many memories in me as it does in everyone else. There is no question that he was one of the greastest drivers we will ever see. (IMO)
People seem to mixing things up - the press release said he will be the Ambassador; the mouth piece if you will. It did not say that he was building a GTHO from the ground up for FPV.
Some are looking back at what was done in the XW/XY days; assuming, that will be the case again... I think not.

Originally Posted by tezxr8man

I would still compare their work look at the GTHO and look at the ELGT, First is a legend hands down and the EL although a GREAT car it still wasn't any Where near what it should have been
If Moffat has anything to do with development i have faith that it'll be a weapon, hopefully enough to wipe the floor with those snooty lil jap cars at the bathurst 12 hour

I disagree completely. What input did Moffat have with the XY?
My understanding was that the shell was already decided on and it was the engine and chassis that were given to Alan to 'thrash out'. Therefore it is unfair to try and compare the two in terms of look.
I never got a chance to drive the EB/ED Moffat special but did manage some time behind the wheel of the EL GT. Those two cars would be a better comparison.

Originally Posted by The Snout

Plus the under 30s aren't the one's slapping down 70 large either for a FPV.

They aren't? - Funny, I bought mine at 29 - new, sight unseen.
I can think of a couple of others that have been sold to poeple under the age of 30.

[4Vman]

Originally Posted by DJL351

Credibility? How? What input has AM had in the FGII? Why are people talking about a car that still may not be remade? (the HO)
My understanding is that the car has already been signed off on.
Even if the package hasn't been completely finished, what input could AM really provide now? Surely his age and lack of drive 'time' would make it difficult to use any feedback he provided.
Where as, someone like JB, who, while not in the 'main game' is still out of the track racing, doing advanced driver course etc.


Again, this is what I am trying to get across - AM has done how much 'racing' in the last 5/10/15 years?
Sure, in the 60/70's when he was racing, there would have been on one better to 'test' and advise Ford/Tickford/FPV/SVO (whatever name you wish to use) - as he was at the top of the game.

The name Moffat stirs up just as many memories in me as it does in everyone else. There is no question that he was one of the greastest drivers we will ever see. (IMO)
People seem to mixing things up - the press release said he will be the Ambassador; the mouth piece if you will. It did not say that he was building a GTHO from the ground up for FPV.
Some are looking back at what was done in the XW/XY days; assuming, that will be the case again... I think not.


I disagree completely. What input did Moffat have with the XY?
My understanding was that the shell was already decided on and it was the engine and chassis that were given to Alan to 'thrash out'. Therefore it is unfair to try and compare the two in terms of look.
I never got a chance to drive the EB/ED Moffat special but did manage some time behind the wheel of the EL GT. Those two cars would be a better comparison.

FFS why does he even need to have input into the FG? he's employed as an Ambassador.. not an engineer....

[The Snout]

Originally Posted by DJL351

They aren't? - Funny, I bought mine at 29 - new, sight unseen.
I can think of a couple of others that have been sold to poeple under the age of 30.

That's great, junior. But the majority aren't.

[Polyal]

So Moffatt Jnr with FPR and Snr with FPV; cool.

[Iggypoppin']

If you have to ask...you don't know ford!!

[TUF_302]

Originally Posted by Iggypoppin'

If you have to ask...you don't know ford!!

Thats right, any true blue fan knows about Moff!

[ebxr8240]

Just what they need .. A P.B type representing them ...
All we need is a Bond out there racing ??
A 1-2 win would be nice...

Originally Posted by Iggypoppin'

If you have to ask...you don't know ford!!

Sheesh !! Are you embarrassed now ?? Lol..

[Luke Plaizier]

Hmm. Product Ambassador eh?

I wonder if Ford would ever consider taking on sponsorship of Eric Banner as a product Ambassador? Although I guess Eric might not like being kept out of Porsche's or Mitsubishi's. But then Eric could be that 2nd 'Bondie' driver referred to earlier if a good enough HO is ever built and Ford or FPV become competitive in the thing at a Bathurst 12 hr....

The halcyon days could return if that panned out OK. I mean, the Coyote is also undergoing race-engineering development program right now isn't it? Seems like an interesting match to me.


Lukeyson

[WASP]

Nice move Rod. Just the person to launch this new 'GT' _2:

[GTP-RPD]

This country has produced world class drivers who still to this day are not recognised for thier achievements in this country....

I say well done Allan, maybe he can throw a prototype together like the old Phase 1 and take Barrett "for a flame thrower ride up the Hume"

[trippytaka]

Very good move... although a long time coming.