Ford gt40 racing

The Ford GT40 is an iconic racing car that dominated the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the 1960s, winning four consecutive times from 1966 to 1969.

About this subject

The Ford GT40 was developed to defeat Ferrari in endurance racing, after Ford's failed attempt to buy the Italian automaker. The project began in 1963 with help from Lola Cars, and the first prototype, the GT40 Mk I, was introduced in 1964. The name GT40 comes from its height of only 40 inches (about 1.02 meters). The initial engine was a 4.7-liter V8, but later versions used larger engines, such as the 7.0-liter V8 in the Mk II.

The GT40's greatest triumph came in 1966, when Ford took the top three positions at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, with Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon leading the historic formation finish. The winning streak continued in subsequent years: 1967 with Dan Gurney and A.J. Foyt, 1968 with Pedro Rodríguez and Lucien Bianchi, and 1969 with Jacky Ickx and Jackie Oliver. This dominance cemented the GT40 as one of the most legendary racing cars in history.

Beyond Le Mans, the GT40 also competed in other endurance races, such as the 12 Hours of Sebring and the Targa Florio. A street-legal version, the GT40 road car, was produced in limited numbers for homologation, making it one of the rarest and most valuable cars in the world. The GT40's legacy inspired the modern Ford GT, launched in 2005 and again in 2017, which also won Le Mans in 2016, 50 years after the first victory.

Frequently Asked Questions

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, from 1966 to 1969.

Why was the Ford GT40 created?

The Ford GT40 was created to defeat Ferrari in racing, after Ford's failed attempt to buy the Italian automaker.

How many street-legal Ford GT40 units were produced?

Approximately 100 units of the street-legal Ford GT40 were produced, making it an extremely rare and valuable car.