How much horsepower does a 1964 Ford GT40 have?
The 1964 Ford GT40 is an iconic race car that was designed to challenge Ferrari's dominance at Le Mans. Known for its sleek design and powerful performance, the GT40 became a symbol of American engineering excellence. In this article, we’ll explore the horsepower of the 1964 Ford GT40 and what made it such a legendary vehicle in automotive history.
The Horsepower of the 1964 Ford GT40
The 1964 Ford GT40 was equipped with a 4.2-liter (255 cubic inch) V8 engine, which produced approximately 350 horsepower. This power output was impressive for its time and was a key factor in the car's ability to compete on the world stage. The GT40's engine was paired with a lightweight chassis and aerodynamic design, allowing it to achieve remarkable speeds and performance on the track.
Why the GT40 Stands Out
The Ford GT40 wasn’t just about horsepower—it was a complete package designed for endurance racing. Here are some reasons why the GT40 became a legend:
- Innovative Design: The GT40 featured a low-slung body for improved aerodynamics and stability at high speeds.
- Lightweight Construction: The use of advanced materials for the chassis and body helped reduce weight, enhancing performance.
- Racing Heritage: The GT40 was built with the sole purpose of winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans, which it eventually did in 1966, 1967, 1968, and 1969.
- Collaboration with Racing Experts: Ford worked with top engineers and designers, including Carroll Shelby, to refine the car's performance.
The Legacy of the 1964 Ford GT40
Although the 1964 model didn’t achieve immediate success at Le Mans, it laid the groundwork for future iterations of the GT40 that would dominate endurance racing. The car's combination of power, design, and engineering innovation continues to inspire automotive enthusiasts and manufacturers to this day.
Whether you're a fan of classic cars or just curious about automotive history, the 1964 Ford GT40 remains a shining example of what can be achieved when passion and engineering come together.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much HP did Ken Miles GT40 have?
485-hp 427
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.
How many Ford GT40 are left?
three
Of the five initial GT40 prototypes, only three remain today, and the other two are currently in the Shelby Heritage Center in Las Vegas.
How much horsepower does a 289 Ford GT40 have?
Tech Specs
Eight-cylinder 90° vee pushrod engine, four twin-choke Weber carburetors, wet sump lubrication, 4736 cc (289 cubic inches), 390 hp at 7000 rpm.
What was the original engine of the GT40?
The Mk I was the original Ford GT40. Early prototypes were powered by 255 cu in (4.2 L) alloy V8 engines and production models were powered by 289 cu in (4.7 L) engines as used in the Ford Mustang.
What was the top speed of the Ford GT40?
The car can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.0 seconds and has a top speed of 200 mph. The GT40 has a lightweight construction, featuring a monocoque chassis made of aluminum and a body made of fiberglass. The total weight of the car is just 2,205 lbs, which enables it to handle brilliantly on the track.
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 Ford 427 have?
425
On the street, horsepower started at 425 for versions equipped with dual-quad carburetors, while single-carb motors were rated at 410 hp. Torque for the 427 hovered around 480 lb-ft.
How much horsepower does a 1964 GT40 have?
Under the hood, the GT40 was powered by a 4.7-liter V8 engine that was capable of delivering 330 horsepower. This power was sent to the rear wheels through a 4-speed manual transmission that allowed for precise shifting and maximum control.
How much is a Ford GT40 worth today?
A: The lowest recorded sale price was $2,400,000 for a 1967 Ford GT40 MK IV on Aug 13 2021. Q: What is the average sale price of a Ford GT40? A: The average price of a Ford GT40 is $5,602,000.
Did the GT40 have a 427?
With only four weeks until the race, the team decided prepare two of the cars with the 427 engine (called the GT40X) and to supplement the team with the existing GTs with the existing 289 engines that were already racing in Europe.
