Ford Race Cars

1. Ford GT40

With overall Le Mans honors in 1966, 1968 and 1969 to its credit, as well as a number of victories across the sportscar spectrum. Best ever.

The Ford GT40 is more than just a car; it's an icon, a legend, and arguably the greatest race car ever created by Ford. Its story is one of ambition, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of victory that culminated in an unprecedented domination of endurance racing in the late 1960s.

What makes the GT40 so special? It begins with its origin story, born from Henry Ford II's desire to conquer the 24 Hours of Le Mans after a failed attempt to purchase Ferrari. This ambition fueled the development of a car that was purpose-built to defeat the reigning champions, Ferrari, on their home turf. The GT40's sleek, aerodynamic design, with its low-slung profile and powerful V8 engine, was a radical departure from the norm, pushing the boundaries of race car engineering.

But the GT40's greatness goes beyond its striking appearance. It was a car that consistently delivered results on the track. After early setbacks, the GT40 achieved its ultimate goal in 1966, securing a historic 1-2-3 finish at Le Mans. This victory marked the beginning of an era of dominance, with the GT40 winning the legendary endurance race for four consecutive years.  

The GT40's success wasn't just about winning races; it was about proving American engineering prowess on the world stage. It was a symbol of innovation, determination, and a refusal to back down from a challenge. The GT40's legacy extends far beyond its trophy cabinet, inspiring generations of car enthusiasts and solidifying its place as not just the best Ford race car ever, but one of the greatest race cars of all time. It's a testament to Ford's commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance and a reminder that with ambition and innovation, anything is possible.

2. Ford Mk IV

This all-American monster only saw action twice, at Sebring and Le Mans in 1967 but won both convincingly.

Built specifically to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1967, it achieved that goal with resounding success, solidifying its place as one of the most revered Ford race cars ever.  

What made the Mk IV so dominant? Unlike its predecessors, the Mk II and Mk III, which were largely based on the British Lola T70, the Mk IV was a purely American creation. Designed and built by Ford Advanced Vehicles in California, it featured a lightweight aluminum honeycomb chassis and a powerful 7.0-liter V8 engine derived from Ford's NASCAR program. This engine, capable of producing over 500 horsepower, propelled the Mk IV to incredible speeds on the long straights of Le Mans.  

But the Mk IV's success wasn't just about raw power. Its aerodynamic design, featuring a long tail and a distinctive rear wing, provided exceptional stability at high speeds. This allowed drivers Dan Gurney and A.J. Foyt to push the car to its limits, ultimately securing a historic victory at Le Mans, beating the second-place Ferrari by a significant margin.

The 1967 Le Mans victory was a defining moment for Ford. It marked the culmination of their ambitious effort to defeat Ferrari, proving that American engineering and driving talent could conquer the world's most prestigious endurance race. The Ford Mk IV not only achieved victory but also set a new distance record, further solidifying its legendary status. This car remains a testament to Ford's ambition, innovation, and unwavering pursuit of victory in motorsport.

3. Ford Focus WRC (2006)

In its eleven-year career it took part in 173 WRC rounds, won 44 of them but sat on the podium a massive 142 times.

The Ford Focus WRC (2006) holds a special place in Ford's rally racing history. This wasn't just another iteration of the Focus WRC; it marked a significant turning point for the team and ushered in a new era of success. While previous Focus WRC cars had shown flashes of brilliance, the 2006 model brought it all together, combining performance, reliability, and a winning driver pairing to achieve remarkable results.

What set the 2006 Focus WRC apart? First and foremost, it was the first Focus WRC to be powered by a Duratec engine, a 2.0-liter turbocharged unit developed by Pipo Moteur. This engine delivered a potent combination of power and responsiveness, perfectly suited to the demands of rally stages. The car also featured a revised chassis, improved aerodynamics, and a more refined suspension setup, all contributing to its exceptional handling and stability.

But the 2006 Focus WRC's success wasn't just about its mechanical advancements. The arrival of Marcus Grönholm and Mikko Hirvonen, two of the most talented rally drivers of their generation, injected new energy into the Ford team. Grönholm, a two-time WRC champion, brought his experience and winning mentality, while Hirvonen provided consistent speed and a hunger for victory. The results were undeniable. In the hands of Grönholm and Hirvonen, the 2006 Focus WRC secured eight rally victories, propelling Ford to its first manufacturers' championship title since 1979.

This success marked a resurgence for Ford in the WRC, establishing the Focus WRC as a dominant force and setting the stage for further championship glory in 2007. The 2006 Focus WRC wasn't just a great car; it was a symbol of Ford's renewed commitment to rally and a testament to the team's dedication to building a championship-winning machine.  

4. Ford Escort RS1800 (1979)

Developed especially for rallying, this is the car that won Ford the manufacturer’s world rally title in 1979. 

The Ford Escort RS1800 (1979) is a rally legend. This rear-wheel drive machine, with its iconic blue and white livery, dominated the World Rally Championship (WRC) during the late 1970s, cementing its place as one of the most successful and revered Ford race cars of all time.  

What made the RS1800 so special? It was a combination of factors. First, its robust and lightweight design made it perfectly suited to the grueling demands of rally stages. Under the hood, a Cosworth BDG engine pumped out around 250 horsepower, providing ample power to tackle any terrain. This power was harnessed by a responsive chassis and a limited-slip differential, allowing the car to dance through corners with incredible precision and control.

But the RS1800's success wasn't just about its mechanical prowess. It was also about the drivers who piloted it to victory. Legends like Bjorn Waldegard and Ari Vatanen wrestled the RS1800 to numerous wins, showcasing their incredible skill and bravery behind the wheel. In 1979, the RS1800 helped Ford secure the WRC manufacturers' title, a testament to the car's dominance and reliability. Vatanen would later go on to win the 1981 drivers' championship in a privately entered RS1800, further solidifying the car's legendary status.  

The Ford Escort RS1800 (1979) pushed the boundaries of rally car design and performance, inspiring a generation of drivers and engineers. The RS1800 is yet another example of lesson one: to never give up. It was winning rallies as far back as 1975, four years before that hard-won manufacturer’s title.

5. Ford Mondeo Super Tourer

In 2000 Alain Menu, Anthony Reid and Rickard Rydell drove Mondeos to the manufacturer’s championship for Ford.

The Ford Mondeo Super Tourer might not be the first car that comes to mind when you think of Ford's racing legacy, but this unassuming family sedan turned track weapon was a force to be reckoned with in the highly competitive world of touring car racing. During the 1990s, the Mondeo Super Tourer became a star of the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC), battling door-to-door with rivals like the Vauxhall Vectra and Honda Accord.  

What made the Mondeo Super Tourer so successful? Underneath its seemingly ordinary exterior lay a highly tuned machine. The heart of the beast was a 2.0-liter V6 engine, a descendant of the Duratec powerplant found in road-going Mondeos. But this was no ordinary engine; it was meticulously developed by motorsport specialists, pushing out close to 300 horsepower. This power was sent to the front wheels through a sophisticated sequential gearbox, allowing for lightning-fast gear changes.  

But the Mondeo Super Tourer's success wasn't just about raw power. The car's chassis was extensively developed, with a focus on lightweight construction and aerodynamic efficiency. This resulted in a car that was not only fast but also incredibly agile, capable of carving through corners with precision and confidence. Teams like Prodrive, known for their success with Subaru in the World Rally Championship, played a key role in developing and campaigning the Mondeo Super Tourer, further enhancing its performance and competitiveness.  

The Mondeo Super Tourer may not have the same global recognition as some of Ford's other racing icons, but its impact on touring car racing was significant. It showcased Ford's commitment to motorsport excellence, even in a category often dominated by more exotic machinery.

6. Ford Fiesta WRC (2017)

So dominant was the third-party Fiesta’s performance in 2017, that it attracted increased Ford factory support back into the mix.

The Ford Fiesta WRC (2017) is a rally car that deserves a prominent spot in the pantheon of Ford's racing legends. This compact and agile machine, developed by M-Sport, took the World Rally Championship (WRC) by storm, proving that you don't need a hulking engine or outlandish bodywork to conquer the most challenging stages on the planet.

What made the 2017 Fiesta WRC so special? It starts with a potent 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, tuned to produce a remarkable 380 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. This power is harnessed by a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, allowing the Fiesta to dance through corners with incredible precision and grip. Its lightweight construction and aerodynamic design further enhance its agility, making it a formidable weapon on any terrain, from the snow-covered forests of Sweden to the gravel roads of Sardinia.  

But the Fiesta WRC's greatness goes beyond its impressive specs. In the hands of Sébastien Ogier, one of the greatest rally drivers of all time, the 2017 Fiesta WRC achieved incredible success. Ogier piloted the car to victory in the 2017 and 2018 WRC championships, cementing its place among the rally elite. These victories were a testament to the car's performance, reliability, and the harmonious partnership between driver and machine.  

The Fiesta WRC (2017) is a true embodiment of Ford's racing spirit. It's a car that defied expectations, proving that even a small car can achieve greatness on the world stage. It's a reminder that Ford's performance legacy extends far beyond the tarmac, conquering the challenging world of rally with style, speed, and an undeniable winning spirit.

7. Ford Sierra RS500

A homologation racer built to take the world of saloon car racing by storm. It did it in DTM in 1988 and taking an overall 1990 BTCC title.

The Ford Sierra RS500, a name that still sends shivers down the spines of motorsport enthusiasts, was a touring car legend that dominated race tracks in the late 1980s. This beast of a machine, born from a collaboration between Ford and Cosworth, was a homologation special built to conquer Group A racing, and conquer it did.  

What made the RS500 so special? It all started with the already potent Sierra RS Cosworth, but Ford cranked things up to eleven. The 2.0-liter turbocharged Cosworth engine was further enhanced with a larger turbocharger, an improved intercooler, and a revised engine management system, boosting power output to a staggering 224 bhp in road-going trim. But the real magic happened on the track, where teams unleashed the full potential of the RS500, pushing power figures well beyond 500 bhp.  

The RS500 wasn't just about brute force; it was a meticulously engineered racing machine. Its aggressive aerodynamics, with the iconic whale-tail spoiler, generated immense downforce, keeping the car glued to the tarmac. The suspension was extensively revised to cope with the increased power and provide exceptional handling. This combination of power and poise allowed the RS500 to dominate championships like the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC), the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC), and the Australian Touring Car Championship.  

The Sierra RS500's legacy extends beyond its impressive trophy cabinet. It became a cultural icon, a symbol of the golden age of touring car racing. Its distinctive styling, raw power, and on-track dominance captured the imaginations of fans worldwide. Even today, the RS500 remains a highly sought-after collector's item and a reminder of Ford's ability to create truly exceptional performance machines.

8. Ford Mustang Boss 302/429

Developed for the Trans-Am and SCCA, the Boss 302 was a high-performance variant, and it won the 1970 Trans-Am Championship

The late 1960s and early 1970s were a golden age for American muscle cars, and Ford's Mustang Boss 302 and Boss 429 were at the forefront of this horsepower-fueled revolution. Born from a desire to dominate the Trans-Am racing series and conquer the streets.

The Boss 302, with its high-revving small-block V8, was a nimble and agile machine, perfectly suited to the tight turns and technical challenges of Trans-Am racing. Its lightweight construction and balanced handling allowed drivers like Parnelli Jones to push the car to its limits, securing victories and establishing the Boss 302 as a force to be reckoned with. The Boss 429, on the other hand, was a brute force of nature. Its massive 429 cubic inch V8 engine, originally intended for NASCAR, delivered an abundance of torque and horsepower, making it a formidable contender in SCCA racing.  

But what made these cars so good? It was a combination of factors. Ford's engineers meticulously developed the Boss Mustangs, focusing on suspension tuning, aerodynamics, and weight distribution to create cars that were both fast and controllable. The Boss 302's small-block V8, with its free-flowing heads and high-lift camshaft, delivered impressive horsepower while remaining responsive and eager to rev. The Boss 429's massive engine, while initially challenging to tame, provided incredible acceleration and top speed, making it a drag strip and road course monster.

The Boss 302 and Boss 429 were more than just race cars; they were icons of an era. They represented the pinnacle of American muscle car performance, capturing the hearts and minds of enthusiasts with their aggressive styling, thunderous exhaust notes, and undeniable performance. Their legacy continues to inspire today, reminding us of a time when raw power and driving skill reigned supreme.

9. 1994 Benetton B194 (Ford Power)

In 1994 Ford achieved its most famous victory... as engine supplier. Schumacher won the F1 championship in his Ford-powered Benetton

While Ford's roaring V8s have dominated circuits across the globe, Formula 1, the pinnacle of motorsport, has remained somewhat elusive. But in 1994, Ford came tantalizingly close to conquering that ultimate mountain. Not with their own team, but through a potent partnership with Benetton Formula. The Benetton B194, a car powered by a Ford Zetec-R V8 engine, became a legend in its own right, carrying Michael Schumacher to his first World Championship title.  

The B194 was a masterpiece of engineering, a perfect blend of aerodynamic efficiency, lightweight construction, and raw power. But it was the Ford engine that truly made it sing. The 3.5-liter V8, a product of Ford's Cosworth division, delivered a screaming symphony of horsepower, propelling Schumacher to victory in six races that season. The combination of Schumacher's exceptional driving talent and the B194's formidable performance proved unstoppable, securing the championship title in a dramatic and controversial final race in Adelaide.

The 1994 season was a tumultuous one, marked by tragedy and controversy. But amidst the chaos, the Benetton B194, with its Ford heart, emerged as a symbol of speed and resilience. It was a testament to Ford's engineering prowess and a reminder that even without a factory team, their influence could be felt at the highest level of motorsport. While Ford may not have reached the F1 summit with their own team, the 1994 championship with Benetton remains a proud moment in their racing history, a testament to their enduring pursuit of victory.

10. Ford Falcon (V8 Supercar)

The Falcon V8 supercar super-stormed into the global arena in the 2000s. The Falcon won 6 drivers’ championships between 2003 and 2010.

When it comes to legendary Ford race cars, there's a Ford hero that commands just as much respect as the big names: the Falcon V8 Supercar. This roaring beast of a machine has become an icon of Australian motorsport, thanks in no small part to its incredible success in the V8 Supercars Championship (now known as Supercars Championship).

Between 2003 and 2010, the Falcon was an unstoppable force, clinching six drivers' championships and solidifying its place as one of Ford's all-time greatest race cars. This dominance wasn't just about raw power; it was a testament to the Falcon's exceptional handling, aerodynamic prowess, and the unwavering dedication of the teams and drivers who pushed it to its limits. Names like Craig Lowndes, Marcos Ambrose, and Mark Winterbottom became synonymous with Falcon's success, etching their names into Australian motorsport history.

But what makes the Falcon V8 Supercar so special? It's a unique blend of raw power and refined engineering. Under the hood, a thunderous 5.0-liter V8 engine pumps out over 600 horsepower, capable of propelling the car to speeds exceeding 300 km/h. This power is harnessed by a sophisticated chassis and aerodynamic package, allowing the Falcon to carve through corners with precision and stability. The result is a car that's both brutally fast and incredibly exciting to watch, a true testament to Ford's performance heritage.

The Falcon V8 Supercar isn't just a race car; it's a cultural icon in Australia. Its battles with the Holden Commodore have become the stuff of legend, captivating fans for generations. And while the Falcon may have retired from Supercars competition in 2016, its legacy lives on, reminding us of Ford's enduring commitment to motorsport excellence.