What does the name Ford GT40 mean?
The Ford GT40 is a legendary sports car that has captured the hearts of automotive enthusiasts worldwide. But what does the name "GT40" actually mean? Let's dive into the history and significance of this iconic vehicle's moniker.
The "GT" Stands for Grand Touring
The "GT" in the Ford GT40 name refers to the "Grand Touring" classification of the vehicle. Grand Touring cars are high-performance sports cars designed for long-distance driving and comfortable, high-speed travel. The GT40 was built to compete in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race, where its combination of speed, handling, and reliability made it a formidable competitor.
The "40" Represents the Car's Height
The "40" in the name refers to the car's height, which measured just 40 inches (101.6 cm) from the ground to the top of the roof. This low-slung design was a key factor in the GT40's aerodynamic prowess and high-speed stability. The compact dimensions also allowed the car to slice through the air with minimal drag, contributing to its impressive top speed and acceleration.
The Significance of the Ford GT40
- The Ford GT40 was developed in the 1960s to challenge the dominance of Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race.
- It won the prestigious race four times in a row, from 1966 to 1969, cementing its place in automotive history.
- The GT40's success not only demonstrated Ford's engineering prowess but also served as a symbol of the company's determination to compete with the best in the world.
The Ford GT40's name is a testament to its design and purpose, encapsulating the car's Grand Touring capabilities and its low-profile, high-performance nature. The GT40's legacy continues to inspire automotive enthusiasts and racers alike, solidifying its status as one of the most iconic and influential sports cars of all time.
Is the GT40 actually 40 inches tall?
As one of the major design features, Roy Lunn had lowered the height two inches from Broadley's initial Lola to a mere 40 inches and work on the cars began. Interestingly, the first seven produced had a VIN number beginning with Ford GT, while the cars after those had a VIN beginning with Ford GT40.
How did the Ford GT40 get its name?
The name “GT40” was coined from the production numbers of the subsequent cars, the GT for “Grand Touring” and the 40 representing the total height of the car in inches – a requirement for international endurance racing at the time. The Ford GT40 was first raced in May 1964 at the Nürburgring 1000 km race.
Why was the Ford 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 ...
Was the Ford GT40 based on a Lola?
The Lola Mk 6 is the little known basis for Ford's famed GT. The most important person in the history of the Le Mans-conquering Ford GT40 race car just might be Enzo Ferrari.
