Ford gt40 racing

The Ford GT40 was one of the most iconic racing cars of the 20th century, winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans four times in a row from 1966 to 1969.

About this subject

The Ford GT40 was born from an epic rivalry between Henry Ford II and Enzo Ferrari. After a failed attempt to buy Ferrari in 1963, Ford decided to build a car capable of defeating the Scuderia on the track, especially at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The project was initially developed with help from Lola Cars and later by Ford Advanced Vehicles in England. The 7.0-liter V8 engine (427 cubic inches) provided raw power, while the low-profile aerodynamic design ensured stability at high speeds.

The GT40's debut at Le Mans was not immediate: in 1964 and 1965, the cars faced reliability issues. But in 1966, Ford arrived with a fleet of GT40 Mk II and achieved a historic triumph, occupying the top three podium positions. It was the first victory by an American manufacturer in the classic French race. In subsequent years, the Mk IV and Gulf Oil (sponsored by John Wyer Automotive) versions dominated, with drivers such as Bruce McLaren, Chris Amon, Dan Gurney, and A.J. Foyt.

The GT40's legacy extends beyond victories. It represented the ability of the American automotive industry to compete on a global level, using cutting-edge technology and international partnerships. Its name derives from the vehicle's maximum height: 40 inches (1.02 m). Today, original examples are museum pieces and fetch millions at auction. The design influenced later supercars, such as the 2005 Ford GT and the 2017 GT, which maintained the competitive spirit.

Interestingly, the GT40 was never officially called 'GT40' by Ford; the name came from the engineers and the press. The project also yielded the World Manufacturers' Championship in 1966 and 1967. The car's story was immortalized in the film 'Ford v Ferrari' (2019), which portrays the rivalry and the efforts of the Shelby American team.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was the Ford GT40 created?

The Ford GT40 was created after Henry Ford II failed to buy Ferrari in 1963. He decided to build a car to beat Ferrari on the track, especially at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, as an act of revenge and a demonstration of American engineering prowess.

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. In 1966, Ford took the top three positions, an unprecedented feat for an American manufacturer.

What does the name GT40 mean?

The name GT40 comes from the car's maximum height: 40 inches (about 1.02 meters). The official Ford designation was 'Ford GT', but the nickname 'GT40' was adopted by engineers and the press and eventually became the universally recognized name.