Ford GT40 – Conquering Le Mans for America
The Ford GT40 endures as one of motorsports’ great icons thanks to its domination of Le Mans during the 1960s. Originally conceived by Ford to beat Italian marques Ferrari and Porsche on European soil, the GT40 delivered resoundingly by claiming four straight Le Mans 24 Hour victories from 1966-1969. Advanced engineering and relentless development elevated the GT40 into the most successful American racing car of all time.
Defeating the European Powers
After failed negotiations to buy Ferrari in 1963, Henry Ford II decided to beat Enzo Ferrari at his own game by conquering the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours. He launched Ford’s Total Performance campaign to achieve excellence in racing and rallying. The mid-engine GT40 program became the centerpiece, with Carroll Shelby leading development. Reliability challenges plagued early efforts, but by 1966 the GT40’s potential was unlocked, defeating Ferrari’s mighty 330 P3s to claim the first of four consecutive Le Mans victories.
Superior Aerodynamics & Packaging
The GT40 leveraged advanced wind tunnel research to create an incredibly aerodynamic shape producing downforce with minimal drag. Its low-slung post helped cut through the air while improving stability. Packaging was optimized around the mid-engine layout, with integrated luggage space for minimal frontal area. Advanced construction techniques like aluminum honeycomb chassis panels stiffened the chassis without adding weight. The bodywork clothed an incredibly efficient mechanical package focused solely on speed.
Powerful V8s Optimized for Endurance
Ford’s series of large-displacement V8s proved ideal powerplants for the GT40’s endurance racing duties. Displacement grew from 4.2L to 7.0L as teams experimented to find the right balance of power and reliability. Eventually the 7.0L “427” V8 became legend, churning out a thunderous 485hp in race trim yet running smoothly for 24 hours straight. Mated to a Kar-Kraft 4-speed, the big V8 powered the GT40 past 200mph on the Mulsanne Straight. It remains one of racing’s iconic powerplants.
Hard-Earned Success Through Persistence
Despite its potency, GT40 success did not come easy. Many challenges with handling, brakes, and powertrain durability plagued the program early on. However, Ford’s investment in relentless development and engineering improvements ensured the GT40 fulfilled its potential. By 1966, the GT40 MK II dialed in the formula that dominated Le Mans. Nothing embodied Ford’s “Total Performance” ethos more than the GT40 program – success was hard fought but ultimately definitive.
Lasting Legacy on Motorsport
The GT40’s success established Ford as a legitimate racing juggernaut. Carroll Shelby became a legend for spearheading the program. The GT40’s muscular form influenced sports car design for decades to come. Most importantly, it remains America’s first and only outright Le Mans 24 Hour victor, ending Europe’s dominance. The GT40’s breakthrough engineering and dogged persistence to overcome early weaknesses illustrates racing technology and teamwork at their finest.
A Timeless Victorian Racer
GT40s are still raced today in historic events, where their instantly recognizable shape continues to turn heads. Around 190 original Ford GT40s are known to exist, passing between owners at auction for millions of dollars due to high demand from collectors. Museums globally display GT40s as centerpieces of American racing engineering. Winner of Le Mans 50 years ago, the GT40 remains an automotive icon representing the pinnacle of Ford’s 1960s racing achievements.
