Why is the Ford GT not called GT40?
The modern Ford GT is branded as Ford GT rather than GT40 to honor the classic Le Mans legend without presenting a direct replica or continuation of the 1960s car. The original GT40 name is tied to a specific historic racer and, in the eyes of Ford, the new car deserved its own badge and identity.
Origins of the GT name
In automotive terms, GT stands for Grand Tourer or Gran Turismo—a class of high-performance, long-distance cars known for a blend of performance and comfort. Ford’s famed 1960s Le Mans program produced the GT40, a name that captured attention and racing pedigree. When Ford introduced a contemporary road car as a tribute to that heritage, the company chose the branding "Ford GT" rather than reviving the exact "GT40" label. That choice signals both homage and a new generation with modern design and engineering.
From GT40 to Ford GT: a deliberate branding choice
When Ford rolled out a modern, mid‑engine supercar as a nod to its Le Mans history, it opted for a clean badge that would stand apart from the 1960s racer while still evoking that era. The result was a model called Ford GT, not GT40.
Reasons behind the branding include:
- Respecting the GT40’s racing legacy while signaling a new design and engineering platform.
- Keeping branding concise and marketable with the familiar “GT” badge.
- Avoiding confusion with the original GT40’s name and its long, storied racing history.
- Highlighting that the modern car is a new generation with a distinct chassis, drivetrain, and performance goals.
In sum, Ford chose a fresh badge to celebrate heritage without presenting the modern car as a direct successor to the historic GT40.
What the naming says about heritage and technology
Beyond a badge, the Ford GT program has used the opportunity to explore advanced materials and aerodynamics. The 2005–2006 Ford GT was built on a purpose‑designed chassis with a V8 engine, while the 2017–2022 Ford GT employed a lighter, more aerodynamically optimized platform powered by a twin‑turbo V6. The naming convention reflects a separation of eras: a tribute, not a replica.
Common myths and clarifications
One widespread myth is that the “40” in GT40 is retained because of a specific dimensional constraint in the modern car. In reality, the current Ford GT uses a completely different, modern chassis and was not designed to fit within the original GT40’s dimensional framework. Ford’s branding leans on the GT badge to signal heritage while clearly denoting a new generation with its own engineering story.
Summary
Ford's decision to badge its modern supercar as Ford GT rather than GT40 is a deliberate branding choice that honors the 1960s Le Mans legend without presenting the newer model as a direct successor. The GT40’s name originated from the original car’s height and its racing identity, but the contemporary Ford GT stands as a distinct, modern generation with its own engineering, styling, and performance narrative. The result is an respectful nod to the past paired with a powerful, contemporary identity.
How many Ford GT40s are left?
Determining how many original Ford GT40s remain is tough due to factors like age and modifications, but many of the 105 are still around. Collectors, museums, and historic races preserve these cars.
Why did Ford call it the GT40?
The Ford GT40 is named for its "Grand Touring" designation and its height, which is 40 inches tall at the windshield. The name was officially applied to the project cars and subsequent production models as required by the regulations for endurance racing.
- GT: Stands for "Grand Touring".
- 40: Refers to the car's overall height of 40 inches, as dictated by the regulations for entry into the 24 Hours of Le Mans race.
- Official Designation: The name was used for the car's official project serial numbers, such as GT-101 through GT-112 for the prototypes and GT40P/1000 onwards for the production models.
Is the Ford GT the same as the GT40?
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.
Who owns the Ford GT40 that won Le Mans?
The Ford GT40 Mark II that won the 1966 Le Mans 24 Hours endurance race has been sold to enthusiast Rob Kauffman of RK Motors Charlotte. Developed by Carroll Shelby and driven to victory at Le Mans by Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon, the #2 GT40, chassis P/1046, will be restored to its original configuration.
