Is the Ford GT and GT40 the same?
The Ford GT and the GT40 are two iconic vehicles that share a legendary heritage, but they are not the same car. While they are closely related in terms of inspiration and design philosophy, they differ significantly in terms of history, purpose, and engineering. Let’s dive into the details to understand what sets these two vehicles apart.
The History Behind the Ford GT40
The Ford GT40 was born in the 1960s as a result of Ford’s ambition to dominate the world of endurance racing, particularly the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The name "GT40" comes from "Grand Touring" and the car's height of just 40 inches. It was designed to compete with Ferrari, and it famously achieved this goal by winning Le Mans four consecutive times from 1966 to 1969. The GT40 was a purebred race car, built for speed, performance, and endurance on the track.
The Modern Ford GT: A Homage to the GT40
Fast forward to the 21st century, and Ford introduced the Ford GT as a modern reinterpretation of the GT40. The first-generation Ford GT was launched in 2005 to celebrate Ford’s centennial and to pay tribute to the GT40’s racing legacy. A second-generation Ford GT followed in 2017, featuring cutting-edge technology and a focus on aerodynamics and performance.
Unlike the GT40, the Ford GT is a road-legal supercar designed for both the track and the street. While it draws heavily on the GT40’s design cues, it is taller, more refined, and equipped with modern amenities and safety features.
Key Differences Between the Ford GT and GT40
Here are some of the major differences between the two vehicles:
- Purpose: The GT40 was a race car built to win Le Mans, while the Ford GT is a road-legal supercar inspired by the GT40’s legacy.
- Dimensions: The GT40 is significantly shorter, with a height of 40 inches, compared to the Ford GT, which is taller to accommodate modern safety and comfort standards.
- Engine: The GT40 used naturally aspirated V8 engines, while the modern Ford GT features a twin-turbocharged V6 EcoBoost engine.
- Technology: The Ford GT incorporates advanced aerodynamics, carbon fiber construction, and modern electronics, which were not present in the GT40.
- Availability: The GT40 was produced in limited numbers for racing, whereas the Ford GT has been made available to select customers as a high-performance road car.
Conclusion
While the Ford GT and GT40 share a common lineage and design inspiration, they are distinct vehicles with different purposes and characteristics. The GT40 remains a symbol of Ford’s racing dominance in the 1960s, while the Ford GT serves as a modern-day tribute to that legacy, blending performance with cutting-edge technology. Both cars are masterpieces in their own right, representing the pinnacle of automotive engineering in their respective eras.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the GT stand for in Ford?
grand tourer
GT stands for grand tourer or gran tourer, a type of car that's designed with both long-distance driving and high speeds in mind. These vehicles typically combine luxury and performance attributes, more often than not featuring a 2+2 seating configuration.
Why was the GT40 banned?
According to the renowned World Registry of Cobras and GT40s, when the 1968 Le Mans rules was announced with the news of engine size regulations capped at 5-Liters, it essentially outlawed Ford's GT40 and Ford would turn the J-cars over to Kar Kraft of Brighton, Michigan, who would then assemble the last two cars, J-9 ...
Did Henry Ford cry in GT40?
5. Carroll Shelby never took Henry Ford II for a joyride in a GT40. As much as we wish this was true, it just never happened. In the film, Carrol Shelby takes Henry Ford II for a joyride in his creation, which results in the industry giant bursting into a mixture of sobbing and laughter.
Why is the Ford GT40 so special?
All chassis versions were powered by a series of American-built Ford V8 OHV engines modified for racing. In the 1966 Le Mans, the GT40 Mk II car broke Ferrari's winning streak, making Ford the first American manufacturer to win a major European race since Jimmy Murphy's Duesenberg in the 1921 French Grand Prix.
Is the GT40 a Shelby?
And win they did, Ford and Shelby combined for a 1-2-3 sweep of the 1966 race and the over all "W" for the four straight years (1966-1969). In honor of that historic win, Shelby American will build a limited run of (20) 50th Anniversary Shelby GT40 MKII cars to honor this historic racing platform.
Why is the Ford GT not called GT40?
Management instructed the designer that it needed to look like the original GT40, and Ford continued to call its new project the GT40 for some time after its announcement. But suddenly, Ford was forced to go with GT instead.
What is the difference between Ford GT and GT40?
The GT is similar in outward appearance to the original GT40, but is bigger, wider, and most importantly 4 in (100 mm) taller than the original's 40 in (100 cm) overall height; as a result, a potential name for the car was the GT44.
What does gto stand for?
This ritual is summarized by the three most famous letters ever worn by an automobile: "GTO" stands for "Gran Turismo Omologato," which, loosely translated from the Italian, means homologated (recognized for competition) grand-touring car. Enzo could have christened his car "the ultimate," and we wouldn't quibble.
What does GT40 stand for?
Grand Touring
The high-performance Ford GT40 is the dream child of Ford Motors, conceived in America and birthed in England. The GT stands for Grand Touring, and the 40 refers to its overall height in inches. It was produced from 1964-1969, and has since become an American racing icon.
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.
