Ford gt40 racing

The Ford GT40 is an endurance racing icon, famous for winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans four consecutive times (1966-1969) and for its powerful V8 engine.

About this subject

The Ford GT40 was created by Henry Ford II with a clear goal: to defeat Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. After a failed attempt to buy the Italian marque, Ford invested heavily in a car capable of winning the most prestigious endurance race in the world. The initial project involved Lola Cars and Ford Advanced Vehicles, resulting in a mid-engine, aerodynamic car.

The engine was a 7.0-liter V8 (427 cubic inches) delivering about 485 horsepower, paired with a four-speed manual transmission. The chassis was light and rigid, made of steel and aluminum. In 1966, the Ford GT40 Mk II won Le Mans with a historic 1-2-3 finish, driven by Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon. Subsequent versions, the Mk IV and Gulf Oil cars, continued the dominance, winning in 1967, 1968, and 1969, the latter by a margin of only 120 meters over Porsche.

The GT40's legacy goes beyond the track. It became a symbol of the automotive rivalry between the United States and Italy, and inspired the modern Ford GT, launched in 2005 and again in 2017. Only 107 original units were built, making it one of the most coveted collector cars in the world. Its story was immortalized in the film "Ford v Ferrari" (2019), which depicts the epic battle between the two automakers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What engine did the Ford GT40 use?

The original Ford GT40 used a 7.0-liter V8 engine (427 cubic inches) producing about 485 horsepower.

How many times did the Ford GT40 win Le Mans?

The Ford GT40 won the 24 Hours of Le Mans four consecutive times, from 1966 to 1969.

Why was the Ford GT40 created?

Henry Ford II wanted to win Le Mans to beat Ferrari, after a failed attempt to buy the Italian company in the early 1960s.