Ford gt40 racing

The Ford GT40 is an automotive icon, famous for its historic victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans against Ferrari in the 1960s.

About this subject

The Ford GT40 was born out of an intense rivalry between Henry Ford II and Enzo Ferrari. After Ferrari refused to be acquired by Ford, Henry Ford ordered the creation of a car that could defeat Scuderia Ferrari on the track, especially at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The project was developed by Ford Advanced Vehicles with contributions from figures like Carroll Shelby and engineers from Lola Cars. The result was a mid-engine racing car with a V8, fiberglass body, and innovative aerodynamic design.

The GT40 dominated Le Mans overwhelmingly between 1966 and 1969, achieving four consecutive victories. In 1966, Ford occupied the top three positions overall, with car number 2 driven by Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon crossing the finish line first. This victory was immortalized in the film "Ford vs Ferrari" (2019), starring Matt Damon and Christian Bale. The car used a 4.7-liter V8 engine (later 7.0 liters) producing up to 485 hp, combined with a weight of only 1,200 kg, allowing top speeds exceeding 200 mph (320 km/h).

The GT40's legacy extends beyond the track. It inspired the Ford GT of 2005 and the new Ford GT of 2016, which revived the design and spirit of the original. Only 105 units of the GT40 were produced between 1964 and 1969, making each example extremely valuable in the classic car market. Recent auctions have exceeded $7 million. The name GT40 comes from its total height of only 40 inches (about 1.02 m), a key feature that contributed to its aerodynamic efficiency and striking appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Le Mans victories did the Ford GT40 achieve?

The Ford GT40 won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966, 1967, 1968, and 1969, a total of four consecutive wins.

What engine did the Ford GT40 use?

The original GT40 initially used a 4.7-liter V8 engine, later upgraded to a 7.0-liter (427 cubic inch) V8 producing about 485 horsepower.

Why is the car called GT40?

The name GT40 comes from the car's total height: only 40 inches (about 1.02 meters). This low height was crucial for its aerodynamics and performance.