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How fast is the 1964 Ford GT40?

The 1964 Ford GT40 was a high-performance sports car that could reach incredible speeds for its time. With a top speed of over 200 mph (320 km/h), the GT40 was one of the fastest production cars of the 1960s. This article delves into the impressive performance capabilities of this iconic American sports car.


Powerful Engine and Lightweight Design


The 1964 Ford GT40 was powered by a mid-mounted 4.7-liter V8 engine that produced around 350 horsepower. This powerful engine, combined with the car's lightweight construction, allowed the GT40 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in just over 4 seconds. The GT40's sleek, aerodynamic body was made of lightweight materials like aluminum, helping to keep the car's overall weight down and maximize its performance.


Top Speed and Racing Pedigree


The 1964 Ford GT40 was capable of reaching top speeds in excess of 200 mph (320 km/h). This made it one of the fastest production cars of its era, rivaling the performance of exotic European sports cars. The GT40's impressive speed and handling capabilities were honed through its successful racing career, where it won the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race four times in a row from 1966 to 1969.


Factors Contributing to the GT40's Speed



  • Powerful 4.7-liter V8 engine producing around 350 horsepower

  • Lightweight construction using materials like aluminum

  • Sleek, aerodynamic body design

  • Extensive racing experience and development


The 1964 Ford GT40 was a true performance icon of its era, combining raw power, lightweight design, and a racing pedigree to achieve incredible top speeds that few other production cars of the time could match.

Can a Ford GT go 300 mph?


M2K Motorsports made history when their Ford GT made a 300mph standing-mile pass.



What is the rarest GT40?


One of the rarest of its kind. This 1966 GT40 MkI, P/1034, is one of only 31 ever produced and claimed a top spot at #MecumKissimmee! As the very first 'production road car' delivered to a private owner, it represents a significant chapter in automotive history.



What does GT stand for?


Grand tourerGrand tourer / Full name
The concept of the GT car emerged from Europe in the mid-1900s, with the goal of being both a high-performance automobile and a long-distance driver. So GT — meaning grand tourer or gran tourer — makes sense.



How much horsepower does a 1964 GT40 have?


It was also equipped with a rear-mounted engine that provided excellent balance and stability on the track. Under the hood, the GT40 was powered by a 4.7-liter V8 engine that was capable of delivering 330 horsepower.



How fast was Ken Miles going when he died?


After almost a day of testing at Riverside International Raceway in the very hot Southern California desert, Miles approached the end of the track's one-mile (1.6 km) downhill back straight at top speed—over 200 miles per hour (320 km/h)—when the car suddenly flipped, crashed, and caught fire.



How fast did the Ford GT40 go?


Just before lunch, Miles took over the development driving and work continued on the car as spoilers were added and modified, and speeds increased until Miles hit 210 mph on the straight away.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.