1966 Ford GT40 MkI Road Car
Born from Ford’s mission to beat Ferrari at Le Mans, the GT40 Mk I became one of the most significant American racing cars of the 1960s. Its name came directly from its 40-inch overall height, which reflected the FIA’s minimum height requirement for the class at the time.
Of the roughly 105 GT40s produced between 1964 and 1969 (all marks combined), just 31 Mk I examples were configured as road cars.
All were assembled at Ford Advanced Vehicles in Slough, England, on a steel monocoque chassis clothed in a fiberglass body. Road-going versions received such concessions as carpeting, non-perforated leather seats, and leather door pouches, though the underlying hardware was largely shared with the racing cars.
Power came from a mid-mounted 289 CI Ford V-8 fed by four Weber 48 IDA carburetors, producing around 335 bhp in street tune. A five-speed ZF transaxle, independent suspension at all four corners, and four-wheel disc brakes completed the package.
The GT40 went on to win Le Mans four consecutive times, from 1966 through 1969.
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