The Ford GT40 is a high-performance race car that achieved iconic status in the world of motorsport after its win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966. This legendary race car was designed by Lola Cars and built by Ford Advanced Vehicles to challenge Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. That mission was successful and the GT40 went on to win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans four times in a row.
The Ford GT40 was designed with speed and performance in mind, with a focus on aerodynamics and light weight. The GT40 weighed just under 1,000 kilograms and had a length of 4,168 millimeters, a width of 1,637 millimeters, and a height of 1,038 millimeters. It was powered by a quad-cam, alloy-block Ford V8 engine that developed 347 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and an impressive maximum torque of 515 Nm at 5,400 rpm. This engine featured an aluminum intake manifold, a magnesium block, and a four-barrel Holley carburetor.
The engine was paired with a four-speed manual transmission, and power was sent to the rear wheels. The GT40 was also fitted with disc brakes, a double wishbone suspension, and the iconic low-slung bodywork with a wraparound windscreen and sleek aerodynamic lines. The combination of the lightweight design, powerful engine and robust suspension made the GT40 an incredibly fast race car that could reach top speeds of over 300 km/h.
The Ford GT40 remains an iconic race car to this day, with many replicas and modern recreations of the original. Its legacy lives on in the world of motorsport, and its influence can be seen in many modern race cars. The combination of lightweight design, powerful engine and robust suspension made the GT40 an incredibly fast race car that could reach top speeds of over 300 km/h.
The GT40’s Dominance In Racing History
The Ford GT40 is one of the most iconic and successful racing cars of all time. The car won four consecutive 24 Hours of Le Mans races from 1966 to 1969 and is still revered by racers and enthusiasts alike. But what made the GT40 so fast? Let’s take a closer look at the history and engineering of the car.
The GT40 was originally developed by Ford in partnership with Shelby American to challenge Ferrari’s dominance in endurance racing. Ferrari had won every Le Mans race from 1960 to 1965, and Ford wanted to put an end to their streak. To that end, they hired Carroll Shelby, an iconic racing driver, and engineer, to develop the car.
The GT40 was designed as a purpose-built racing car, and its design was based on the requirements of endurance racing. The chassis was made from lightweight aluminum and the engine was a 4.7-liter V8 capable of producing over 400 horsepower. The car was also outfitted with a five-speed manual transmission and had an aerodynamic body that allowed for better handling and more speed. It was also fitted with a fuel-injection system that provided the car with more power.
The GT40 was an incredibly successful car in its day, winning four consecutive 24 Hours of Le Mans races from 1966 to 1969. The car’s dominance in the sport can be attributed to its excellent engineering and design. The lightweight chassis, powerful engine, and aerodynamic body allowed the car to achieve impressive speeds. The fuel-injection system also allowed for better fuel efficiency, allowing the car to stay on the track for long periods of time.
The original Ford GT40 was produced from 1964 to 1969 and was priced at around $18,000. The car was never produced in large numbers, but it has continued to be revered by racing enthusiasts and collectors alike. The car has become an icon of motor racing and its success in endurance racing has cemented its place in history.
| Attributes | Ford GT40 |
|---|---|
| Chassis | Lightweight aluminum |
| Engine | 4.7-liter V8 |
| Horsepower | Over 400 hp |
| Transmission | Five-speed manual |
| Fuel-Injection | Yes |
| Price | Around $18,000 |
The GT40’s success has made it a legend in the world of racing. Its incredible speed and performance have made it an icon of the sport, and its place in history as one of the most dominant cars of all time is well deserved. The car’s design and engineering was ahead of its time, making it a formidable opponent on the track.
The Engineering Behind The GT40’s Unparalleled Speed
The Ford GT40 has become a legendary car in the racing world thanks to its unparalleled speed. The engineering behind the GT40’s incredible performance is what has made it one of the most revered vehicles in automotive history. Here, we take a look at the engineering that made the GT40 a winner.
The Ford GT40 was powered by a V8 engine that produced more than 300 horsepower. This was achieved by using high-performance components and advanced engineering techniques. The engine was mated to a five-speed manual transmission, which allowed for smoother shifts and improved acceleration. Additionally, the car was built with an advanced aerodynamic design, which was engineered with the purpose of decreasing drag and increasing downforce.
The chassis of the GT40 was also designed for maximum performance. It was made from lightweight materials such as aluminum and magnesium, which reduced its overall weight and improved its handling. Additionally, the suspension was engineered to be stiff, which allowed for better handling at high speeds. Finally, the car was equipped with large disc brakes, which allowed for improved braking performance.
The GT40 was also equipped with a range of high-performance features, such as adjustable shocks, adjustable suspension geometry, and adjustable aerodynamics. These features allowed the car to be tuned for optimal performance on different types of tracks. Additionally, the car was equipped with a number of cutting-edge technologies, such as traction control and anti-lock brakes.
The combination of power, aerodynamics, and advanced engineering made the Ford GT40 one of the most successful racing cars ever. It is also one of the most sought-after vehicles, with prices ranging from $400,000 to $1 million. The GT40 is a testament to the power of engineering and performance.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine | V8 |
| Horsepower | 300+ hp |
| Transmission | 5-speed Manual |
| Chassis | Aluminum/Magnesium |
| Suspension | Stiff |
| Brakes | Large Disc |
| Price | $400,000 – $1,000,000 |
The combination of an aerodynamically efficient body and a powerful engine made the GT40 a highly capable racing car.
The GT40 was powered by a Ford Racing V8 with up to 6.7 litres of displacement.
The GT40 could produce up to 477 horsepower.
The GT40 was equipped with a 4-speed manual transmission.
The GT40 had a lightweight, rigid chassis with a mid-engine layout.
The GT40 had double wishbone suspension with coilover shocks on all four corners.
The GT40 could accelerate 0-60 mph in just over 4 seconds.
The GT40 was equipped with ventilated disc brakes on the front and drum brakes on the rear.
The GT40 weighed around 1,800 pounds (816 kg).
The GT40 had an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of 0.29, making it one of the most aerodynamic cars of its time.