What litre is a Ford GT40?
The Ford GT40 did not come in a single engine size. Across its racing life in the 1960s, it used two main displacements: a smaller 4.7-liter V8 in the early Mk I cars, and a larger 7.0-liter V8 in the later Mk II and Mk IV variants. The name GT40 also refers to height (about 40 inches), not engine size.
Engine sizes by GT40 variant
The following list summarizes the primary displacement figures for the main GT40 variants.
- GT40 Mk I (1964–1965): approximately 4.7 L V8 (289 cubic inches)
- GT40 Mk II (1966): approximately 7.0 L V8 (427 cubic inches)
- GT40 Mk IV (1967): approximately 7.0 L V8 (427 cubic inches)
In short, the GT40’s engine sizes shifted from about 4.7 litres in its early form to 7.0 litres in the famous Le Mans-winning iterations, reflecting changes in competition rules and Ford’s development strategy during the mid-1960s.
Notes on context and related models
For clarity, the modern Ford GT (an entirely separate model released much later) is not a GT40 and uses a different powerplant: a mid-mounted 3.5 L twin-turbo V6 (EcoBoost) in contemporary versions. When people refer to the “GT40,” they are usually talking about the 1960s race cars built to challenge Ferrari at Le Mans, not Ford’s later mid-engine supercar.
Why engine size mattered for the GT40
Engine displacement is a key factor in performance, dictating power output, torque, and top speed. Ford’s shift from a smaller 4.7 L V8 to a larger 7.0 L V8 in the Mk II and Mk IV helped the GT40 meet Le Mans regulations and outpace rivals, a change that played a central role in securing overall wins in 1966.
Summary
The Ford GT40 does not have a single litre figure. Its core racing variants used two main displacements: about 4.7 litres in the Mk I and about 7.0 litres in the Mk II/Mk IV. The model’s enduring legacy comes from its racing pedigree and the dramatic leap in engine size that helped Ford win at Le Mans in the mid-1960s. For those seeking the modern equivalent, the Ford GT is a different car with a contemporary EcoBoost V6.
Did the GT40 have a V12?
1966 Ford GT40 is an iconic race car that made history by winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans four times consecutively from 1966 to 1969. Developed by Ford to beat Ferrari at Le Mans, the GT40 featured a low- profile, aerodynamic design and was powered by a potent 7.0-liter V8 engine.
Did Ford make a 427 engine?
Yes, Ford produced the 427 engine, a powerful big-block V8 from the 1960s known for its racing heritage. It was part of Ford's FE engine family and was used in motorsports like NASCAR and drag racing, as well as in high-performance street cars. Notable variants include the "Side-Oiler" for improved oiling and the rare, high-revving SOHC "Cammer".
This video provides an overview of the Ford 427 engine's development and performance: 50sBullnoseGarageYouTube · Oct 13, 2025
- Development and purpose: The 427 was engineered for racing, with a focus on strength and durability for high-RPM performance.
- Key features: It came with a forged steel crankshaft, a solid lifter camshaft, and high-flow cylinder heads, and was available with single or dual 4-barrel carburetors.
- Notable versions:
- Side-Oiler: Introduced in 1965, this version featured an improved oiling system for better reliability during sustained high-RPM use.
- SOHC "Cammer": An ultra-rare, high-performance variant that was developed as a response to the Chrysler 426 Hemi in NASCAR. Despite its racing potential, it was banned from Nascar and later found success in drag racing.
- Applications: The 427 powered iconic vehicles such as the Ford GT40 that won at Le Mans, high-performance Galaxies and Fairlanes, and later, the Shelby Cobra.
You can watch this video to learn about the Ford 427 Cammer engine: 31sRevvedUp MuscleYouTube · Mar 15, 2025
What engine was in a GT40?
Initially powered by small-block Ford V-8 engines of 4.2 liters, and then 4.7 liters, the GT40 first raced at the Nürburgring in May of 1964.
Did the GT40 have a V8?
In 1966, Ford unleashed the 7.0-liter (427-cubic-inch) big-block V8, a NASCAR-bred powerhouse, in the GT40 Mark II. Delivering around 485 horsepower and massive torque, this engine clinched a historic 1-2-3 finish at Le Mans that year.
