The Ford GT40, sometimes referred to as the Ford GT40 MkI, is a sports car that was manufactured from 1964 to 1968. It allowed Ford to end Ferrari domination on Le Mans race and to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans on four successive occasions, from 1966 to 1969.
Together with the Porsche 917, the Ford GT40 remains as THE iconic racing car, especially under its famous light blue and orange GULF livery.
The real story:
The story of the GT40 begins with a rivalry between two great names in motoring industry: Ford and Ferrari.
In the 60s, Ford needed to target a new category of audience with high income : the baby boomers. So their marketing department suggested that it was vital for them to change theire image by building sportcars and getting involved in motorsport at the highest level. But they were in a hurry, and realised they can't build a competitive sportcar from scratch. So in 1963, the Detroit company decided to buy the italian sport cars manufacturer Ferrari.
Negociations were very advanced, but Ford wanted full control on Ferrari company including racing department, which was a red line not to cross for the commendatore. So Enzo Ferrari withdrawed at the last minute from negociations.
Limited Poster by Automobilist
Official licensed product - 24H Le Mans
Available here on GPBox
As if that were not enough, Enzo Ferrari turned around and sold a majority stake in Ferrari to the Italian car manufacturer Fiat. Some Ford executives, including Henry Ford II, believed that Il Commandatore had never seriously considered selling his company to Ford, but had begun negotiations with the sole aim of pushing Fiat to raise its bid.
Henry Ford II felt personally humiliated. So he asked his engineers to design a car that will beat Ferrari in their favourite playground : Le Mans 24 Hours race.
1966 Ford GT-40 MK 2 Red #1
1/18 Diecast Model Car by Shelby Collectibles
Available at The GPBox
The base chassis was supplied by an English racing team, Lola. Development took place in England under the direction of engineer Roy Lunn. For these needs, Ford created a local structure, Ford Advanced Vehicles Ltd (FVA), headed by John Wyer. The first model was introduced in April 64. It is then called only "GT",
from the initials "GT" of the category "Grand Touring" (Grand Tourisme). The 40 (for 40 inches, the minimum height for running) alongside will follow a little later.
The first attempts in racing in 1964 and 65 were fails until Ford turned to Carroll Shelby...
For a quick and entertaining overview of this rivalry, I advise you to watch the film released in 2019 that tells this famous episode of motorsports history : "Ford Vs Ferrari" (or "Le Mans 66" as it was renamed in some european countries).
But, Hollywood being Hollywood, you know one can never totally rely on a so-called "film based on real facts", for many obvious script and cinema constraints. That's why I have attached some videos below that shed light on the differences between the movie and the reality or that tell the real story in detail and images.
The Endurance Triple Threat – 908/8 LH vs GT40 vs 330 P3
Motorsport Poster available here at The GP Box store
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