Ford GT40
The Legendary American Race Car That Conquered Le Mans
The Ford GT40 dominated the racing world in the 1960s, etching its name into motorsport legend. Born from a fiery rivalry with Ferrari, this American powerhouse conquered the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans, not once, but four consecutive times. Its sleek, aerodynamic design and ferocious power became synonymous with speed and victory, forever changing the landscape of endurance racing. This is the ultimate guide to the Ford GT40. We'll explore its origins in the fiery feud between Henry Ford II and Enzo Ferrari, tracing its development from ambitious concept to Le Mans champion. We'll delve into the engineering marvels that made it a force to be reckoned with, from its powerful V8 engines to its innovative aerodynamics. And we'll relive those glorious moments on the track, where legendary drivers like Carroll Shelby, Ken Miles, and Bruce McLaren pushed the GT40 to its limits, securing its place in history.
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The Ford GT40: An American Legend Forged in Rivalry
The Ford GT40 is more than just a car; it's an icon, a symbol of American ingenuity and determination. Its story is one of intense rivalry, crushing defeat, and ultimate triumph, forever intertwined with the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans race.
The Ferrari Feud and the Birth of a Legend
In the early 1960s, Henry Ford II, seeking to elevate Ford's image and conquer the world of motorsports, set his sights on acquiring Ferrari. Negotiations were well underway, but ultimately collapsed, leaving Ford with a burning desire for revenge. Determined to beat Ferrari at their own game, Ford embarked on a mission to build a car capable of dominating endurance racing, particularly the grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans, a race Ferrari had dominated for years.
This ambition gave birth to the GT40. The name itself was a bold statement, "GT" representing Grand Touring, and "40" signifying its low-slung 40-inch height. Ford enlisted the help of motorsport veterans like Carroll Shelby and Eric Broadley, and poured resources into developing a car that could challenge Ferrari's reign.
Early Setbacks and the Road to Redemption
The GT40's debut at Le Mans in 1964 was a disaster. Despite showing promise, all three entries retired due to mechanical issues, handing Ferrari yet another victory. 1965 proved equally disappointing, with none of the GT40s finishing the race. Ford faced a critical decision: abandon the project or double down on their efforts.
Choosing the latter, Ford brought in Carroll Shelby to lead the racing program. Shelby, renowned for his success with the Cobra, applied his expertise and relentless drive to refine the GT40. He focused on improving reliability and aerodynamics, and crucially, chose the powerful 7.0-liter V8 engine.
1966: A Year of Triumph
The 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans marked a turning point. Ford arrived with a vengeance, fielding a fleet of eight GT40 Mk IIs. The race was a tense battle, but ultimately, Ford achieved a historic 1-2-3 finish, finally breaking Ferrari's dominance and achieving sweet revenge. This victory cemented the GT40's legendary status and marked a defining moment in American motorsports history.
Continued Dominance and a Lasting Legacy
Ford continued its winning streak, securing victories at Le Mans in 1967, 1968, and 1969. The GT40 became synonymous with speed, endurance, and American engineering prowess. Its influence extended beyond the track, inspiring generations of car enthusiasts and solidifying Ford's position as a performance car manufacturer.
The GT40's legacy lives on. Its iconic design remains instantly recognizable, and its story continues to captivate. Ford has paid homage to its legendary ancestor with modern iterations of the GT, carrying the torch of performance and innovation. The Ford GT40, born from rivalry and forged in the fires of competition, remains a timeless testament to the spirit of racing and the pursuit of victory.
Ford GT40 Basics
Manufacturer: Ford Advanced Vehicles, John Wyer Automotive Engineering, Kar Kraft, Holman-Moody, Shelby American
Production: 1964–1969
Units: 105 produced
Assembly: UK: Slough (Mk I, Mk II, and Mk III), USA: Los Angeles (Mk I & Mk II Modifications) and Wixom, Michigan (Mk IV)
Designer: Ron Bradshaw
Class: Group 4 and Group 5 sports car and Group 6 sports prototype
Body style: 2-door coupé/roadster
Layout: Rear Mid-Engined
Engine: 255 CID (4181 cc) V-8, 289 CID (4737 cc) V-8, 302 CID (4942 cc) V-8, 427 CID (6997 cc) V-8
Trans: Mk1 & Mk3: 5-speed manual, Mk2 & Mk4: 4-speed manual
Wheelbase: 95 in (2,413 mm)
Length: 160 in (4,064 mm)
Width: 70 in (1,778 mm)
Height: 40.5 in (1,029 mm)
Successor (Race): Ford P68
Successor (Street): Ford GT
Le Mans & International Titles
1966, 1967, 1968 and 1969 24 Hours of Le Mans Winner
1966 International Manufacturers Championship
1966 and 1967 International Championship for Sports Cars
1968 International Championship for Makes
Mk I
The Mk I Ford GT40, the original iteration of this legendary race car, was a raw and powerful machine born from Ford's ambition to conquer Le Mans. Its sleek, aerodynamic design, characterized by its low-slung profile and prominent nose, was a radical departure from the more traditional sports cars of the era. Under the hood, the Mk I housed a variety of Ford V8 engines, ranging from the 4.2-liter Fairlane engine to the larger 4.7-liter Cobra engine, delivering impressive horsepower and torque.
Despite its early struggles at Le Mans in 1964 and 1965, the Mk I laid the foundation for the GT40's future success. It showcased the car's potential and provided valuable data that would be instrumental in developing the dominant Mk II. Though often overshadowed by its successor, the Mk I holds a special place in the GT40's history, representing the first bold step in Ford's quest for racing glory.
Mk II
The Mk II Ford GT40 emerged as a refined and formidable force on the racing scene, building upon the foundation laid by its predecessor. This iteration saw significant changes, most notably the introduction of the massive 7.0-liter (427 cubic inch) V8 engine, a powerhouse that unleashed brutal horsepower and torque. This engine, coupled with improved aerodynamics and enhanced reliability, transformed the GT40 into a true Le Mans contender.
The Mk II's dominance at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans, where it secured a historic 1-2-3 finish, cemented its place in motorsport history. This victory was a testament to the car's raw power, endurance, and the dedication of the Ford team.
The Mk II represented the pinnacle of the GT40's evolution in the 1960s, a symbol of American engineering prowess that finally conquered the European racing elite.
Mk III
The Mk III GT40 marked a departure from its racing-focused predecessors, aiming to bring the GT40 experience to the road. Produced in limited numbers, only 7 were ever made, the Mk III was a more civilized, road-legal version of the iconic car. It featured a revised design with a longer tail section for luggage space, integrated headlights, and a more comfortable interior with amenities like air conditioning.
While still retaining the essence of the GT40's performance DNA, the Mk III offered a tamer driving experience compared to the raw power of the Mk I and Mk II. Its focus on grand touring and road usability made it a unique and rare iteration of the legendary car, appealing to those who desired the GT40's mystique in a more manageable package. Despite its limited production and road-oriented focus, the Mk III remains an intriguing chapter in the GT40 story, showcasing the car's versatility and enduring appeal.
Mk IV
The Mk IV marked a departure from its Anglo-American roots and embracing a purely American identity. Developed entirely in the US by Ford, the Mk IV boasted a completely redesigned chassis and bodywork with a focus on aerodynamics aimed to maximize downforce and stability at high speeds. Powered by the same ferocious 7.0-liter V8 engine as the Mk II, the Mk IV delivered even more potent performance.
The Mk IV's triumph at the 1967 24 Hours of Le Mans, with Dan Gurney and A.J. Foyt at the helm, solidified its place in racing history. This victory, achieved with an all-American team and car, marked a proud moment for Ford and a testament to the Mk IV's exceptional capabilities. However, tragedy struck later that year with the fatal crash of Ken Miles during testing, leading to rule changes that ultimately ended the Mk IV's reign. Despite its short-lived dominance, the Mk IV remains a powerful symbol of American innovation and racing spirit.
"The Ford GT40 was so fast, it was like driving a rocket ship."
Carroll Shelby
"The GT40 changed the face of sports car racing."
Supercars.net
Our Favorite Ford GT40 Images & Wallpapers
