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Ford GT40: the Le Mans battle against Ferrari
Story of the Ford GT40: the car Henry Ford II built to humiliate Enzo Ferrari. 4 consecutive Le Mans wins (1966-1969) and a legend.
11 min read
It all started with a slammed door. In 1963 Enzo Ferrari broke off negotiations with Ford when they were about to sign the Ferrari sale. Henry Ford II flew into a rage and gave the order: build a car that would defeat Ferrari at Le Mans. Three years later the Ford GT40 was born, the car that humiliated Ferrari four years in a row.
The origin of the conflict
In 1963 Ford wanted to enter European motorsport. Ferrari was the absolute Le Mans king. Ford offered $18 million for Ferrari. Enzo initially accepted, but broke the deal at the last minute when he learned he would lose control of the racing division.
Henry Ford II gathered his team and said a historic phrase: "we will crush them". That's how the GT40 project was born.
Key fact: the "GT40" name comes from the car's height: 40 inches (1.016 meters).
The early failures (1964-1965)
The first GT40s were a disaster. At Le Mans 1964 the three official cars retired. 1965 same story, with cooling and engine reliability issues.
Ford hired Carroll Shelby, the Cobra builder, to redesign the car. Shelby installed Ford's 7.0L V8 in an improved chassis version. The GT40 Mk II was born.
The four consecutive wins (1966-1969)
From 1966 to 1969 Ford won Le Mans four years in a row with the GT40. No other car has done it since.
| Year | Version | Winning drivers | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1966 | Mk II | McLaren/Amon | Ford 1-2-3 sweep |
| 1967 | Mk IV | Gurney/Foyt | Speed record: 344 km/h |
| 1968 | Mk I (Gulf) | Rodríguez/Bianchi | Same car won in 1969 |
| 1969 | Mk I (Gulf) | Ickx/Oliver | Closest margin: 120 meters |
Key fact: GT40 chassis P/1075 won Le Mans in 1968 and 1969. It's the only car to win Le Mans twice with the same chassis.
The 1966 Ford sweep
Le Mans 1966 was Henry Ford II's victory. Three GT40s crossed the finish line in formation: first McLaren/Amon, second Hulme/Miles, third Bucknum/Hutcherson.
The controversy: Ken Miles was leading but Ford asked him to slow down for the photo of the three cars together. The rules gave the victory to McLaren/Amon for having started further back on the grid. Miles died two months later testing the J-Car prototype.
The V8 engine that changed everything
The heart of the GT40 was a Ford pushrod V8. Simple but brutal. Against Ferrari's sophisticated V12s, the American bet on torque, reliability and low-rev power.
- GT40 Mk I: V8 4.7L (289ci), 380 HP
- GT40 Mk II: V8 7.0L (427ci), 485 HP
- GT40 Mk IV: V8 7.0L (427ci), 500 HP
- GT40 P/1075 (Gulf): V8 4.9L (302ci), 420 HP
Current values
Original GT40s are among the most valuable cars in the world. Only 105 units were built between 1964 and 1969. Auction prices are astronomical.
| Chassis | History | Price |
|---|---|---|
| GT40 P/1075 | Le Mans 68-69 winner | Not for sale, $50M+ estimated |
| GT40 Mk I (Gulf replica) | Official replica | $1.5 - 2.5M |
| GT40 MkII | 1966 factory car | $10 - 15M |
| GT40 Mk IV | 1967 winner | $8 - 12M |
Frequently asked questions
How many original Ford GT40s were built?
Between 1964 and 1969, 105 units were built: 87 Mk I, 7 Mk II, 12 Mk IV and some development units.
Why is it called GT40?
For its height: 40 inches (1.016 meters). It was one of the lowest race cars ever built.
Where is the Le Mans 1966 winning GT40?
The McLaren/Amon Ford GT40 Mk II chassis P/1046 has been at the Revs Institute in Florida since 2015.
Are there legal GT40 replicas?
Yes, Superformance and Safir make officially licensed Ford replicas. A new replica costs between €200,000 and €400,000.
The Ford GT40 is proof that engineering can be born from a blow to pride. Four consecutive Le Mans wins, a humiliation to Ferrari and a legend that has lasted 60 years. If you love motor stories, come visit our Gredos Garage museum. Stories are better next to the cars.