Ford gt40 racing

The Ford GT40 is an iconic American sports car that won the 24 Hours of Le Mans four consecutive times in the 1960s, symbolizing the rivalry with Ferrari.

About this subject

The Ford GT40 was born out of Henry Ford II's personal ambition. After failing to purchase Ferrari in 1963, Ford decided to build a car that would defeat the Italian marque on the track. The project was developed in partnership with Lola Cars, using an aluminum chassis and a mid-mounted V8 engine. The name GT40 comes from the vehicle's height: only 40 inches (1.02 m) off the ground.

The car debuted in 1964, but reached its pinnacle in 1966: a 1-2-3 finish at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, driven by Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon in the Ford GT40 Mk II. Over the next three years, the model continued its winning streak, notably the Mk IV in 1967 (with a 7.0-liter V8 producing 485 hp) and the Mk I in 1968 and 1969, featuring aerodynamic tweaks and a 4.9-liter engine. Only 105 units were built between 1964 and 1969, making the GT40 one of the rarest and most sought-after racing cars.

Beyond the track, the GT40's legacy influenced later supercar designs, such as the 2005 Ford GT and the 2016 Ford GT. It also left a mark on popular culture, appearing in films like "Ford vs Ferrari" (2019), which depicted the rivalry and the car's construction. Technically, the GT40 pioneered four-wheel disc brakes and independent suspension, along with a fiberglass body for weight reduction. Its top speed exceeded 200 mph (320 km/h), a remarkable achievement for its era.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was the Ford GT40 created?

The Ford GT40 was created after Henry Ford II failed to buy Ferrari in 1963. Determined to beat the Italian brand on the track, Ford developed a high-performance sports car to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

How many times did the Ford GT40 win the 24 Hours of Le Mans?

The Ford GT40 won the 24 Hours of Le Mans four consecutive times: in 1966, 1967, 1968, and 1969, a record of consecutive wins for a single model at that time.

What engine was used in the Ford GT40 Mk II?

The Ford GT40 Mk II used a 7.0-liter (427 cubic inch) V8 engine producing around 485 horsepower, paired with a four-speed manual transmission.