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The GT40 was created out of a fierce rivalry: After failed negotiations to buy Ferrari in 1963, Henry Ford II set out to beat Ferrari at Le Mans, leading directly to the GT40’s development.
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Its name comes from its height: The GT40 stands just 40 inches tall, which contributed to its aerodynamic profile and gave the car its iconic name.
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Le Mans dominance: The GT40 broke Ferrari’s six-year winning streak by sweeping the podium at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans. It went on to win Le Mans four consecutive times from 1966 to 1969—an achievement unmatched by any other American car.
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All-American victory: The GT40 Mk IV became the only car developed and built entirely in the United States to win Le Mans, taking the overall win in 1967.
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Engineering innovation: The GT40 featured lightweight materials like fiberglass and aluminum, magnesium wheels, and a powerful 7.0L V8 engine that pushed it to speeds over 210 mph during testing.
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Racing roots: The first GT40s were based on the British Lola Mk6 and initially built in the UK before development moved to the U.S. under Carroll Shelby’s guidance.
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VIN trivia: The first seven GT40s had VIN numbers starting with “Ford GT,” while later cars used “GT40.”
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Hollywood fame: The GT40’s story was dramatized in the film “Ford v Ferrari,” which brought its legendary rivalry and triumph to a new generation of fans.
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Record-setter: GT40 chassis #1075 is especially famous for winning Le Mans twice, a rare feat in endurance racing history