How many 1966 Ford GT40s were made?
The 1966 Ford GT40 was a legendary sports car that made a significant impact on the automotive world. According to the available information, a total of 99 Ford GT40s were produced in 1966.
The Ford GT40 and Its Significance
The Ford GT40 was a high-performance sports car developed by Ford Motor Company in the 1960s. It was designed to compete with and defeat the dominant Ferrari race cars at the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race. The GT40 was a revolutionary design, featuring a mid-engine layout, lightweight construction, and powerful Ford V8 engines.
The 1966 model year was a significant one for the Ford GT40, as it marked the first time the car won the 24 Hours of Le Mans, a feat it would repeat for the next three consecutive years. This victory was a major accomplishment for Ford and cemented the GT40's place in automotive history.
Production Numbers of the 1966 Ford GT40
According to the available information, a total of 99 Ford GT40s were produced in 1966. 1 This included both the GT40 Mk I and the GT40 Mk II models, which were the primary variants of the car during this time period.
The GT40 Mk I was the original version of the car, featuring a 4.7-liter Ford V8 engine. The GT40 Mk II, on the other hand, was a more powerful variant with a 7.0-liter Ford V8 engine, which helped it achieve the victory at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The production of the 1966 Ford GT40 was a significant achievement, as the car was designed and built in a relatively short period of time to challenge the dominance of Ferrari in endurance racing. The success of the GT40 at Le Mans and other prestigious events cemented its legacy as one of the most iconic and influential sports cars of the 20th century.
How much horsepower does a 1966 Ford GT40 have?
485-hp
The cars arrived in basic form and Shelby's men added the 485-hp 427 engines and T44 4-speed transmissions especially designed and assembled by Kar Kraft; they also installed the interior and exterior trim, front body work (constantly being modified to reduce front lift), and Halibrand race wheels.
What is the most valuable Ford GT40?
This 1966 Ford GT40 Mk I Was Just Sold for $10 Million. While the late, modern-day Ford GT is an exceptional sports car that sells for huge prices at live auctions and online, any car collector out there will tell you the original GT40 is one of the most sought-after pieces on the planet.
How much is a 1966 GT40 worth?
The value of a 1966 Ford GT40 Mk I can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $5,050,000 for a 1966 Ford GT40 Mk I in good condition with average spec.
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. Some hallmarks of GT models include a near-seamless merging of luxury and performance and a 2+2 design.
How many 1966 GT40s were made?
After developing the GT40 for two years, Ford finalized the car and put it into regular production. A total of eighty four production versions were completed at Ford's Advanced Vehicle facility in Slough, England.
Did Ken Miles win Le Mans?
British-born Ken Miles was a gifted race car engineer and driver. Through his work for Carroll Shelby, Miles got involved in Ford's GT racing program. Miles won the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1966, and he placed second at Le Mans. Miles died in a crash while testing Ford's J-Car later that year.
Why is the GT40 so expensive?
Its lightweight chassis and aerodynamic design made it unbeatable on the racetrack. This car also marked Ford's historic victory over Ferrari in endurance racing. Its rarity and performance justify its $11 million price tag that's why it is one of the most expensive Ford cars in the world.
How many original GT40s are left?
Of the five initial GT40 prototypes, only three remain today, and the other two are currently in the Shelby Heritage Center in Las Vegas. Race cars like this don't come around very often.
How rare is a Ford GT40?
Around 100 cars have been made, mostly as 289 cu in (4.7 L) V8-powered Mk Is, some sold to private teams or as road legal Mk III cars. Racing started in 1964, with Ford winning World Championships categories from 1966 to 1968.
What's the rarest Ford in the world?
The 50 cars all in the teeth orange paintwork. The same as the original. There are some visual cues like the Saturn black spoiler.
