What does GT stand for in a Ford GT40?
The GT in Ford's GT40 is commonly interpreted as Gran Turismo (often rendered as Grand Tourer), while the "40" marks the car’s low, 40-inch-tall silhouette. This naming reflects the model’s aim as a high-performance, long-distance racer with a road-going lineage.
Built in the early 1960s to challenge Ferrari at Le Mans, the GT40 name combines a familiar grand-touring designation with a numeric height marker. Automotive historians and enthusiasts frequently cite GT as Gran Turismo or Grand Tourer, while the 40 refers to the vehicle’s notably short height; Ford’s public statements have tended to emphasize lineage and racing purpose, leaving the acronym open to interpretation within that tradition.
Origins and meaning of the GT40 name
To understand the designation, followers of the GT40 often look to two intertwined ideas: the tradition of grand touring cars and Ford’s bold Le Mans program in the 1960s. The letters GT sit in a long-running European naming convention, while the number is tied to the car’s distinctive profile.
GT: common interpretations
Before exploring the exact words behind GT, here are the interpretations most often cited by enthusiasts and historians.
- Gran Turismo (Gran Tourer): The most widely cited meaning, aligning the car with a lineage of high-speed, comfortable long-distance machines.
- Grand Touring: An English-language variant of the same concept, used in many car naming traditions.
- A Ford branding cue: In some discussions, GT is seen as a general high-performance category marker rather than a formal acronym, signaling the car’s road-going, racer-inspired character.
In practice, the GT label has become a timeless branding cue tied to heritage and performance, rather than a strictly defined official acronym.
What the 40 denotes
The “40” in GT40 is most often explained as a reference to the car’s height, underscoring its low, aerodynamic stance. The number has become a defining part of the name, even as the exact measurement could vary slightly by model and bodywork.
40 as a height marker
Key points about the 40 in GT40:
- Height indicator: The “40” refers to roughly a 40-inch tall profile, emphasizing the car’s famously low silhouette.
- Design and aerodynamics: The height target was part of Ford’s goal for minimal lift and strong aerodynamic performance at racing speeds.
- Not engine size or quantity: The number does not denote engine displacement, number of cars built, or a racing class.
These elements help explain why the “40” remains an iconic and memorable part of the GT40 name, linking form to function in a way that resonated with fans and competitors alike.
Historical context and legacy
The GT40 emerged during a pivotal era in sports-car racing, with Ford aiming to dethrone Ferrari at Le Mans. Its competitive lineage includes multiple evolutions—Mk I, Mk II, Mk III, and Mk IV—each contributing to Ford’s long-running motorsport narrative. The name persists in modern Ford culture, including the contemporary Ford GT, which continues to evoke the original car’s spirit of endurance, speed, and engineering audacity.
Summary
In short, GT in the Ford GT40 commonly signals Gran Turismo or Grand Tourer, reflecting a grand touring heritage, while the 40 marks the car’s low, roughly 40-inch-tall stance. The combination captured Ford’s ambition in the Le Mans era and helped forge one of the most enduring legacies in automotive performance history.
How much is a Ford GT40 worth?
The value of an original Ford GT40 varies significantly, with some examples selling for over $13 million, while the average is around $6.8 million. However, less rare models like the 2005 Ford GT can be found for around $585,000, and newer versions (2017-2022) are priced from £750,000 to £1 million. Continuation models and replicas offer a more accessible entry point, with prices starting from under £100,000.
Original and historic GT40s
- Average value: Approximately $6.87 million.
- High-end sales: A 1966 Ford GT40 Mk II recently sold for $13.2 million due to its racing history. Another 1966 Ford GT40 MkI Road Car sold for $6.93 million.
- Valuable factors: Proven racing pedigree, rarity, and condition heavily influence the price.
Modern and continuation models
- 2005 Ford GT: A 2005 model with 4,600 miles sold for $585,000.
- 2017-2022 Ford GT: These newer models are available from supercar dealers for prices ranging from £750,000 to £1 million.
- Continuation and replica models:
- Superformance GT40: New models start around £200,000, with pre-owned versions from over £100,000.
- CAV GT40: New custom builds start from around £100,000, with used models from £70,000 to £90,000.
What does the GT in GT40 mean?
grand touring
The "GT" in the car's name stands for grand touring, and the "40" its height in inches (1.02 m) measured at the top of the windscreen, the minimum allowed. The first 12 "prototype" vehicles carried serial numbers GT-101 to GT-112.
Why is it called Ford GT?
This company licensed the use of the "GT40" trademark to Ford for the initial 2002 show car. When Ford decided to put the GT40 concept to production stage, negotiations between the two firms failed as Ford did not pay the US$40 million the owners of the name demanded. Thus, the production cars are simply called the GT.
What does GT mean in Ford GT?
In the Ford GT, "GT" stands for Gran Turismo, an Italian phrase that translates to "grand touring". This designation refers to a high-performance car that is comfortable enough for long-distance travel, representing a balance between speed and luxury. The original GT models were built with the capability to perform well over long distances, and later models continue this legacy.
- Gran Turismo: The term originated in Italy and signifies a car built for long-distance, high-speed travel that also balances performance with comfort.
- Car's purpose: The designation implies the vehicle can be driven fast over long distances, whether on a highway or a winding road.
- Evolution of the term: While the term has a specific meaning, its use has evolved and is sometimes applied by manufacturers for marketing purposes to simply indicate a sportier version of a car. However, the Ford GT embodies the original definition of a powerful and luxurious grand touring car.
