The Ford GT40 is a high-performance mid-engined racing car originally designed and built for and by the Ford Motor Company to compete in 1960s European endurance racing. Its specific impetus was to best Scuderia Ferrari, which had won the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans race for six years running from 1960 to 1965. Around 100 cars have been ...

The Mk I Ford GT40, the original iteration of this legendary race car, was a raw and powerful machine born from Ford's ambition to conquer Le Mans. Its sleek, aerodynamic design, characterized by its low-slung profile and prominent nose, was a radical departure from the more traditional sports cars of the era.

A month later, the High Performance and Special Models Operation Unit was formed with the mission to design and build “A racing GT car that will have the potential to compete successfully in major road races such as Sebring and Le Mans.”

Jan 1, 2024 · Today, the car is back in the UK meticulously restored to its original XP130-1 MKIII prototype specifications. Several MKIIIs were powered by the 4.7- litre, 289 cu. in. engine that was detuned to 306 bhp and was equipped with a ZF 5-speed transaxle. Others were powered by the 5.0L 302 cu.in. V8.

During the practice laps, the 427 set the lap record at 3:33, almost five seconds faster than the Ferraris! Ken Miles received his wish as he and Bruce McLaren teamed up to drive one of the GT40X cars. While the Ford had set the lap record, the race was an unmitigated disaster.

Ken Miles' car in action in the 1966 Le Mans race. Additionally, Ford Motor Company decided to bring on its NASCAR racing team Holman & Moody in addition to Shelby American.

Nov 15, 2019 · The star car of the film Ford v. Ferrari is the GT40 Mk II. Back in 1966, we did a deep dive into the car after it won Le Mans.

Nov 25, 2024 · The GT40's story began with the Lola Mk6, a British race car by Eric Broadley. Ford acquired the rights and used it as the foundation for their new racing weapon. On March 16, 1964, the first GT40 chassis rolled out of Ford Advanced Vehicles in Slough, UK.

Dec 21, 2023 · For Ford racing enthusiasts, the Ford GT40 will always be the pinnacle of racing heritage. The GT40 design was unlike anything Ford had released at the time, and after its debut, the car’s racing pedigree would include wins at Le Mans.

Jan 15, 2025 · On May 31, 1964, the Ford GT40 made its racing debut at the 1000-kilometer Nürburgring. During the race, the car initially held strong positions but ultimately faced reliability issues with its suspension.