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The GT40 story is a tale of
triumph. It is the embodiment of a dream Ford II was the man whose vision
steered the course of Ford racing car history into as yet unchartered
territory. By 1963 Henry II had wanted to revive the Ford image and had hoped to acquire Ferrari for ten million dollars to realize his ambition of creating a winner at Le Mans under the Ford badge. Having witnessed Ferrari’s unbeaten record on the famous 24-hour endurance circuit, Henry II was determined to develop a champion of his own. But Enzo Ferrari refused a deal. And so, with the weight of the Ford Empire behind him and the tenacity to continue undaunted, Henry II looked to alternatives. Ford Advanced Vehicles was created with the sole purpose of designing and developing a supreme racing car that would speed to victory at Le Mans. The project that would birth the GT40 was ushered in under the auspices of Eric Broadley in the United Kingdom. The first prototype, complete with a mid-mounted Ford V8 engine and monocoque chassis was finished by 1964. Its name was attributed to its elevation, 40 inches from the ground at its highest point.  But it was a few years before Ford would taste victory. Some further development was needed to improve the directional stability, suspension and aerodynamics, although its potential at the outset was obvious. This potential was finally realized in 1966 after much blood, sweat and tears. On June 18 - not one, not two - but three GT40s sped over the finishing line at Le Mans, aggressively beating Ferrari. Ford sped to victory every year after that until 1969. And with it, one of the greatest stories of motor racing was told. Not only is the GT40 a great looking car, it has the spirit of a giant. In the hearts and minds of spectators witnessing its first victory at Le Mans and for the generations that came after, an icon was born. |
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