What engine was in the 1967 GT40?
The 1967 Ford GT40 was propelled by a 7.0-liter Ford V8, the classic 427 cubic inch FE big-block race engine, tuned for endurance racing and delivering roughly 485 horsepower.
In 1967, Ford’s GT40 program reached its culmination with the Mk IV, the car that finally clinched overall victory at Le Mans. This era moved away from earlier configurations toward a purpose-built race engine and chassis package designed to endure the grueling 24-hour test. The engine itself—the 427 cubic inch V8—was central to that effort, providing the power and reliability Ford needed to overthrow European rivals in the classic endurance event.
The 1967 GT40 and the Mk IV
The GT40 lineup in 1967 culminated in the Mk IV, a final evolution that combined a refined chassis with Ford’s mighty 7.0-liter V8. This car, driven by a two-person factory team, secured Ford’s historic Le Mans victory and signaled the end of the GT40’s development cycle under direct Ford control.
Engine details
To capture the engine’s core features, consider the following specifications and characteristics:
- Displacement: 427 cubic inches (7.0 liters)
- Configuration: V8, part of Ford’s FE big-block family
- Lubrication: dry-sump, a racing-standard setup for reliability under long, demanding runs
- Induction: typically dual four-barrel carburetors in race tune
- Power: approximately 485 horsepower (around 360 kW) at high RPM
- Torque: on the order of 480–500 lb-ft, tuned for strong mid-range and top-end delivery
These attributes made the Mk IV’s powertrain a defining factor in Ford’s 1967 Le Mans victory, delivering the pace needed to outrun the field over the race’s demanding balance of speed and endurance.
Context and significance
The 1967 Mk IV’s engine choices reflected Ford’s shift to a purpose-built race program, emphasizing reliability, cooling, and sustained performance. The 427 V8’s integration with the Mk IV chassis demonstrated Ford’s commitment to conquering Le Mans and cemented the GT40’s legacy in motorsport history.
Summary: The 1967 GT40’s engine was a 427 cubic inch Ford FE V8, a 7.0-liter race-spec powerplant with dry-sump lubrication, delivering roughly 485 hp to help secure Le Mans glory for Ford.
How much horsepower did the 427 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.
How much is a 1967 Ford GT40 worth?
The value of a 1967 Ford GT40 Mk III can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $3,600,000 for a 1967 Ford GT40 Mk III in good condition with average spec.
What engine was in the 1967 Ford GT40?
Ford's Road-Legal Race Car
Powered by a 289-cubic-inch, 306-horsepower Ford V-8 engine coupled to a ZF 5-speed manual transmission, the low-slung car can accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in just 5.3 seconds. Top speed is approximately 165 miles per hour.
What engine did the GT40 have?
The Ford GT40 was powered by a variety of V8 engines throughout its production, with displacements ranging from 4.24.24.2L (255255255 CID) to 7.07.07.0L (427427427 CID). Initially, early models used smaller V8s like the 4.74.74.7L (289289289 CID) engine. For its most famous victories, the GT40 Mark II and Mark IV were equipped with a more powerful 7.07.07.0L (427427427 CID) V8.
- Early prototypes: Featured a 4.24.24.2L (255255255 CID) V8.
- Mark I: Commonly used a 4.74.74.7L (289289289 CID) V8, producing around 400400400 horsepower for racing. A less powerful 335335335 horsepower version was available for road use.
- GT40 Mark II and Mark IV: Utilized the powerful 7.07.07.0L (427427427 CID) big-block V8. The Le Mans specification for the Mark II produced about 485485485 horsepower.
- Final versions: Due to rule changes in 1969, the engine size was limited to 4.94.94.9L, and the GT40 used a modified 289289289 V8 producing up to 470470470 horsepower.
