Dementia Australia Patron and racing legend, Allan Moffat OBE, has raised $16,000 through a memorabilia auction of a signed first copy of the 1971 Ford Falcon GTHO Phase III Black Edition book.
With support from Shannons and Ford Historian, Ross Vasse, Mr Moffat said all proceeds from the action will go to Dementia Australia.
Mr Moffat who is best known for his four championships in the Australian Touring Car Championship, six wins in the Sandown 500 and his four wins in the Bathurst 500/1000, first talked about his diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease in September 2019.
Dementia Australia CEO, Maree McCabe AM said by sharing about his experience with Alzheimer’s disease and lending his name to the auction, Allan was making an extraordinary contribution.
“I acknowledge Allan and his team for creating this unique, historical opportunity for motoring enthusiasts, the news of which has already been shared in media, with Allan’s loyal network of fans and with the hundreds of thousands of Shannons members,” Ms McCabe said.
“When high profile people like Allan help to raise awareness about dementia it encourages others to seek support and know they are not alone if they have concerns about themselves or a loved one.”
The book represents 50 years of Falcon XY GTHO Phase III history with many never-before-seen period photographs, the complete factory production build list, with detailed documentation on each individually numbered car.
Ross Vasse, author and Ford GTHO historian, said writing and researching the book was a career highlight.
“I am so proud to know the auction proceeds from the first copy are being donated to help raise awareness about dementia in honour of Allan, a lifetime hero of mine,” Mr Vasse said.
“It is possibly now Australia’s most valuable motoring book.”
The winning bid was from a private collector in NSW.
The funds raised will go towards Dementia Australia’s support services and programs for people living with dementia, their families and carers.
“Thank you to all involved and for your commitment to making a difference to the lives of people of all ages living with all forms of dementia, their families and carers,” Ms McCabe said.
For support, please contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. An interpreter service is available and the Helpline is open 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday excluding public holidays. The National Dementia Helpline is funded by the Australian Government. People looking for information can also visit dementia.org.au
