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 Ford GT40 dominated the racing world in the 1960s, etching its name into motorsport legend. Born from a fiery rivalry with Ferrari, this American powerhouse conquered the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans, not once, but four consecutive times.

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.”

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.

When the box office hit movie Ford v Ferrari came out, many Americans received their first look at one of the most treasured race cars in the country’s history, Ford’s GT40. Let’s take a look back at the origins and journey of this beloved vehicle.

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.

Jan 15, 2025 · After some years, in 2004, Ford revived the iconic GT nameplate with a new model inspired by the original GT40. It featured a supercharged 5.4-liter V8 engine that delivered 550 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque, with a 6-speed manual transmission.

Jan 1, 2024 · By early 1967, JWAE completed the first road car prototype GT40 (XP130-1) that was shipped to New York for a display at the New York Motor Show. Then, it was used as a promotional car until the summer of 1967. The car was painted Dark Metallic Blue with few basic differences between the race cars and the MKIII.

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.

Jan 21, 2025 · The 1966 Ford GT40 ‘s victory at Le Mans marked a turning point in racing history. With innovative engineering, powerful performance, and strategic decisions, Ford’s GT40 overcame Ferrari, proving American automotive prowess on the world stage.