From time to time, alongside unexpected sightings, we also come across stunning photoshoots. Here, we have one featuring two legendary Ford models: the iconic GT40 and its modern successor, the latest GT. It’s always fascinating to compare the evolution between classic and contemporary versions. With over 50 years separating them, let’s take a closer look at their history and the differences that define these two automotive icons.
Origins: A rivalry that shaped history
The GT40’s story begins in the early 1960s with Henry Ford II's ambitious plan to purchase Ferrari. At the time, Ferrari was the king of endurance racing, dominating Le Mans with an iron grip. However, when the deal fell apart at the last minute, an angry Ford promised to build a car that would beat Ferrari on their own turf. Ford’s engineers, along with input from British manufacturer Lola Cars, began developing a new race car with one goal in mind: win Le Mans. This led to the creation of the GT40 (named for its 40-inch height), which made its racing debut in 1964. The initial models struggled with reliability, but Ford remained persistent, refining the car into a world-beater.
Dominance at Le Mans
By 1966, Ford had perfected the GT40, and the results were nothing short of historic. The car, powered by a 7.0L V8 engine, crushed Ferrari, securing an unforgettable 1-2-3 finish at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This was just the beginning.
• 1967: The GT40 Mk IV, driven by Dan Gurney and A.J. Foyt, won Le Mans, making Ford the first American manufacturer to win consecutively.
• 1968 & 1969: The GT40 Mk I continued the streak, with legendary driver Jacky Ickx winning in 1969 by outfoxing Porsche in a dramatic last-lap battle.
With four straight victories (1966-1969), the GT40’s legacy was sealed. It had succeeded in dethroning Ferrari and proving Ford’s engineering prowess on the world stage.
The GT40’s design & performance
• Chassis: Lightweight monocoque design with advanced aerodynamics for its time.
• Engine: Various versions, but the most famous was the 7.0L (427 cubic-inch) V8 producing 485 hp.
• Top Speed: Over 200 mph (322 km/h), making it one of the fastest race cars of its era.
The modern Ford GT: A supercar reborn
Fast forward to 2015, and Ford stunned the automotive world by unveiling an all-new Ford GT - a spiritual successor to the legendary GT40. Unlike its predecessors, the new GT wasn’t just a tribute; it was a technological masterpiece designed to compete at Le Mans once again.
A new era of performance
The 2017 Ford GT brought radical design changes while staying true to its racing heritage. Instead of a traditional V8, Ford opted for a 3.5L twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6, delivering an astonishing 647 hp and 550 lb-ft of torque.
Key innovations
• Carbon Fiber Monocoque: The new GT uses a lightweight carbon fiber chassis, reducing weight and increasing structural rigidity.
• Active Aerodynamics: Adjustable wings and air vents optimize downforce and efficiency.
• Race-Proven Technology: The new GT was engineered with insights from Ford’s endurance racing program, making it as much a race car as it is a road-going supercar.
Return to Le Mans (2016)
Marking the 50th anniversary of its historic 1966 victory, Ford returned to the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2016 with the new GT. Competing in the GTE-Pro class, the car won its category, defeating Ferrari once again - a perfect tribute to the GT40’s legacy.
Ford GT40 (1966)
Engine Type: 7.0L V8
Max Power: 485 hp
Top Speed: 322 km/h
0-100 km/h: 4.2 s
Chassis: Aluminum Monocoque
Le Mans Wins: 4 (1966-1969)
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Ford GT (2017)
Engine Type: 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6
Max Power: 647 hp
Top Speed: 348 km/h
0-100 km/h: 3.1 s
Chassis: Carbon Fiber Monocoque
Le Mans Wins: 1 (2016)
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Both cars embody Ford’s relentless pursuit of speed and innovation, yet they represent very different eras of automotive engineering.
The legacy of the Ford GT
The Ford GT40 was a product of competition, designed to defeat Ferrari and establish Ford as a global racing powerhouse. More than 50 years later, the modern Ford GT carries that same DNA, blending cutting-edge aerodynamics, race-proven technology, and exhilarating performance into a road-legal masterpiece.
Whether it’s the raw, unfiltered aggression of the GT40 or the refined, technologically advanced brilliance of the new GT, one thing remains certain: the Ford GT will always be an icon of speed, heritage, and performance.
