Autodromo Prototipo Chronograph Vic Elford 1969 Limited Edition Autodromo

Vic Elford is a living legend of motorsport, celebrated for his outright speed as well as his mastery of the world’s longest and most challenging race courses such as the Nurburgring and the Targa Florio. His name is inextricably linked with the Porsche marque, as he won many significant races for Porsche throughout the 1960s. He was the first man to campaign the 911 in rally events, eventually winning the Monte Carlo rally for Porsche. He was also at the wheel of a Porsche when he crossed the finish line first at the Daytona 24 hours, winning Porsche’s first ever 24 hour race. In the 908, he won the Nurburgring 1000km race a total of 3 times. Elford won the Targa Florio and Sebring for Porsche as well. In the fearsome 917 langhek, Elford dominated the 1970 Le Mans for 18 hours until his car broke. Elford’s extraordinary versatility led to a rich and diverse career, encompassing Rally, Endurance Racing, Road Racing, Formula 1, Trans Am, Can Am, NASCAR, and even the Paris Dakar Rally.

Autodromo has collaborated with Vic Elford a second time to create this limited edition timepiece to commemorate Vic’s epic, yet un-sung drive to finish 2nd at the 1969 Targa Florio race in Sicily. After a stunning win against all odds the previous year, Elford nearly repeated the feat in 1969. After setting fastest time in practice (35m 54.7s) Elford looked to be the favorite for back to back victory. However, soon after the start of the race, a failed alternator belt forced Elford to limp back to the pits losing 6 minutes to his team mate Gerhard Mitter in an identical Porsche 908/02.

Elford chased Mitter, shaving an entire minute off his lead each lap, setting new lap records each successive lap, ultimately taking 46.5 seconds off his own qualifying record. After a small incident with Alfa Romeo’s Nanni Galli, Elford knew his charge would fall short of victory, but continued driving as fast as possible. In the end, he finished 2 mins and 49 seconds behind his team mate, having yet again set the fastest laps ever driven on the Sicilian mountain circuit. We always remember those epic drives that end in victory. With this watch, we celebrate the story of Elford’s determination, guts, and sheer driving brilliance, even when he knew it was unlikely he could win.

With a dial inspired by the colorful paintwork on Elford’s Porsche 908/02, this special edition is limited to 350 numbered pieces. The caseback features a map of the Targa Florio circuit, which wound through the villages and mountain passes of Sicily, as well as Elford’s practice lap record and race lap record. The Vic Elford Prototipo comes in special edition packaging along with an illustrated booklet, and signature card hand-signed by Elford himself. Original artwork commissioned by Autodromo from renowned automotive illustrator Dwight Knowlton graces the cover of the booklet and signature card.

SPECIFICATIONS

Limited to 350 numbered pieces
Vic Elford hand-signed card
Original artwork by Dwight Knowlton
Special edition booklet
Special edition collectors box
Japan Made Seiko VK63 Chronograph Hybrid Meca-Quartz Movement
True mechanical reset chronograph
1/5 second sweep center-stop hand
Stainless Steel Case
Sapphire Crystal
Water Resistant to 50 Meters (5 ATM)
Genuine Leather Racing Strap
Case Dimensions- 48mm x 42mm
Case Thickness – 11.5mm
Strap – 20mm Lug Width