1965 Ford GT40
1965 Ford GT40
Brand
Ford
Year
1965
Country
United States
Generation
GT40
1965 Ford GT40
Brand
Ford
Year
1965
Country
United States
Generation
GT40
About this car
Discover the history
The 1965 Ford GT40 is one of the most iconic race cars in motorsport history, known for its rivalry with Ferrari and dominance in endurance racing. The development of the GT40 began as Ford’s attempt to defeat Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, a goal that was driven by Henry Ford II’s desire for revenge after a failed deal to buy Ferrari. The original GT40 was designed in collaboration with Lola, and early prototypes were built at Ford Advanced Vehicles in the UK.
Powered by Ford’s V8 engines, the GT40 evolved through various iterations, with the 1965 Mark I and Mark II being the most significant. The Mark I, which debuted in 1964, faced reliability issues in its early races, but the Mark II, introduced in 1965, addressed these problems with a reinforced chassis and a more powerful 7.0-liter engine. This massive engine gave the GT40 the power needed to compete with Ferrari’s endurance racing dominance. The GT40’s most significant achievement came in 1966, when it not only won Le Mans but also claimed the top three positions, ending Ferrari’s streak of six consecutive victories.
Technically, the GT40’s construction utilized a semi-monocoque chassis with lightweight materials such as fiberglass for the bodywork. Its mid-engine layout, combined with sophisticated aerodynamics for the time, gave it a significant edge in high-speed stability and cornering at endurance events like Le Mans. The car was capable of reaching over 200 mph, an extraordinary feat for the mid-1960s.
In terms of racing pedigree, the GT40 cemented itself as one of the greatest endurance race cars ever. After its breakthrough victory in 1966, the GT40 continued to dominate Le Mans, winning in 1967, 1968, and 1969. During these years, drivers such as Bruce McLaren, Chris Amon, and Dan Gurney piloted the GT40 to victory, building its legend. Even when regulations changed, leading to the development of the smaller 4.9-liter GT40, the car remained a force to be reckoned with.
The GT40’s success is often credited with establishing Ford as a powerhouse in motorsport, and its legacy lives on in modern iterations like the Ford GT, which pays homage to the original. To this day, the GT40 is celebrated not only for its engineering but also for the historic battles it fought against Ferrari during one of the most competitive eras in endurance racing.
