Ford gt40 racing

The Ford GT40 is a legendary American race car that won the 24 Hours of Le Mans four consecutive times, embodying the Ford vs Ferrari rivalry.

About this subject

The Ford GT40 was born out of corporate frustration. In the 1960s, Henry Ford II attempted to buy Ferrari, but Enzo Ferrari pulled out of the deal at the last minute. In response, Ford decided to build a car that would beat Ferrari at its own game: the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The project was led by Carroll Shelby and involved engineering from Lotus and Ford Advanced Vehicles. The name GT40 comes from its height of just 40 inches (about 1 meter), a crucial aerodynamic feature for high speeds.

Technically, the GT40 was a mid-engined V8 race car, initially with a 4.7-liter engine, later evolving to 7.0 liters in the Mk II and Mk IV models. The fiberglass body and monocoque chassis ensured lightness and rigidity. Power exceeded 500 horsepower, allowing top speeds over 200 mph (320 km/h). The car evolved through several versions: the Mk I with a smaller engine, the Mk II with a 7-liter big-block, and the Mk IV (J-car) that won in 1967.

In 1966, the GT40 Mk II achieved the famous 1-2-3 finish at Le Mans, with Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon leading the Ford sweep. Over the next years, the car maintained dominance: 1967 with Dan Gurney and A.J. Foyt, 1968 and 1969 with the lightweight John Wyer team Mk I. In total, four consecutive wins, a feat no American manufacturer had accomplished before. The Ford vs Ferrari rivalry became legendary and was immortalized in the film 'Ford v Ferrari' (2019).

The GT40's legacy extends beyond the track. It is one of the most valuable race cars in the world, with original examples selling for millions of dollars at auction. Ford paid homage with the 2005 Ford GT and the 2016 GT, both capturing the spirit of the original with modern technology. The GT40 also inspired countless replicas and remains an icon of automotive design and engineering, a symbol of American determination to win in European motorsport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the car called GT40?

The name GT40 comes from the car's height, which was only 40 inches (approximately 1.02 meters). 'GT' stands for Gran Turismo, indicating a high-performance touring car.

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

The Ford GT40 won the race four consecutive times, from 1966 to 1969. In 1966, Ford achieved a historic 1-2-3 podium sweep.

What engine powered the Ford GT40?

The Ford GT40 used Ford V8 engines. The Mk I versions had a 4.7-liter engine, while the Mk II and Mk IV used a 7.0-liter big-block engine producing over 500 horsepower.