Heuer

It is always a privilege to come across genuine pieces of automotive history, and the watch presented here is exactly that. The engraving on the back of this Autavia reference 2446 “Rindt” gives the clue: “ZODIAC ENDURANCE RUN MONZA 1966,” but it is merely the start of an incredible story.

The watch was previously owned by John Maclay, who would be one of five drivers selected by Ford to attempt to set endurance records for their Zodiac model, an executive saloon for which a new version had launched in 1966 with the new Essex 3-liter V6 engine.

Done in partnership with Castle and Goodyear, who provided support for tires and oil, it was a significant test of driver and car to maintain speeds of over 100 mph (161 kph), including stops for fuel and maintenance for seven days and nights. The five drivers took three-hour stints and would survive rain, fog, and the challenges of the Monza road surface to prevail, in a car that was virtually stock, after a week covering 6,658 laps of the circuit.

In total nine class records would be secured, which were as follows:

Highest average speed over 15,000 kms - 105.27 mph

Highest average speed over 10,000 miles - 105.35 mph

Highest average speed over four days - 105.31 mph

Highest average speed over 20,000 kms - 104.74 mph

Highest average speed over five days - 104.72 mph

Highest average speed over 15,000 miles - 104.43 mph

Highest average speed over six days - 104.43 mph

Highest average speed over 25,000 kms - 104.12 mph

Highest average speed over seven days - 103.04 mph

To commemorate the occasion, it seems that engraved watches were presented to the drivers, and of course, for such a grand automotive achievement, there was only one brand to select: Heuer. Over the years in Maclay’s care, the watch would acquire a handsome aging, proving a life well lived, as well as a new bezel insert and bracelet to make it look a bit like a dive watch - certainly a personal choice for a unique individual.

Today, accompanied by a scrapbook containing a plethora of photos and press clippings relating to the records set in 1966, it represents a genuine piece of automotive history and would be a beautiful addition to any collection, but particularly for those with a love for the blue oval, the golden era of record setting, and endurance testing.