Why was the GT40 banned?
The Ford GT40 is one of the most iconic race cars in automotive history, celebrated for its dominance at the 24 Hours of Le Mans during the 1960s. However, its legacy is also marked by controversy, as the car was effectively "banned" from competition under certain regulations. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind this decision and the impact it had on motorsport history.
The Dominance of the GT40
In the mid-1960s, the Ford GT40 was developed as part of Ford’s ambitious plan to defeat Ferrari at Le Mans. The car achieved legendary status by winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans four consecutive times from 1966 to 1969. Its powerful V8 engine, aerodynamic design, and innovative engineering made it nearly unbeatable on the track.
However, this dominance came at a cost. The GT40’s success highlighted the growing disparity between factory-backed teams with massive budgets and smaller, independent teams. This imbalance led to concerns about the fairness and accessibility of endurance racing.
Regulatory Changes and the Ban
The "ban" on the GT40 was not a direct prohibition of the car itself but rather a result of regulatory changes introduced by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the governing body of motorsport. These changes were aimed at leveling the playing field and promoting safety in endurance racing.
- Engine Size Restrictions: The FIA introduced new rules for the 1970 season that limited engine displacement for prototypes to 3.0 liters. The GT40, with its large V8 engine, no longer complied with these regulations.
- Focus on Smaller Manufacturers: The new rules were designed to encourage participation from smaller manufacturers and private teams, reducing the dominance of factory-backed giants like Ford.
- Safety Concerns: The high speeds achieved by cars like the GT40 raised concerns about driver safety, prompting the FIA to implement measures to slow down the cars.
As a result of these changes, the GT40 was effectively rendered obsolete in top-tier endurance racing. While it could still compete in certain categories or historic racing events, its era of dominance at Le Mans came to an end.
The Legacy of the GT40
Despite its "ban," the GT40 remains a symbol of innovation, determination, and success in motorsport. Its story is a testament to Ford’s ability to challenge and overcome the dominance of Ferrari, forever changing the landscape of endurance racing. Today, the GT40 is celebrated as a classic, with original models fetching millions of dollars at auctions and inspiring modern recreations like the Ford GT.
The regulatory changes that sidelined the GT40 also paved the way for a new era of endurance racing, emphasizing safety, competition, and innovation. In many ways, the GT40’s legacy lives on in the cars and regulations that followed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does GT stand for?
Grand tourerGrand tourer / Full name
The concept of the GT car emerged from Europe in the mid-1900s, with the goal of being both a high-performance automobile and a long-distance driver. So GT — meaning grand tourer or gran tourer — makes sense. Some hallmarks of GT models include a near-seamless merging of luxury and performance and a 2+2 design.
Why was Ford disqualified from Le Mans?
“During the post-race technical checks, the race stewards officially disqualified the #68 (Ford Chip Ganassi Team USA's Ford GT) and the #85 (Keating Motorsports' Ford GT) for breach of fuel tank capacity regulations,” reads an official ACO statement.
What happened to the GT40 that won Le Mans?
Chassis P/1046 was passed through multiple owners who restored the vehicle, but the most notable was when it was bought by Rob Kauffman, owner of RK Motors, in 2014. After an extensive 4,000+ hours of restoration with Rare Drive in New Hampshire, the original winning GT40 was restored back to its race-ready state.
How many original GT40s are left?
Of the five initial GT40 prototypes, only three remain today, and the other two are currently in the Shelby Heritage Center in Las Vegas. Race cars like this don't come around very often.
How much is an original GT40 worth today?
The value of a 1966 Ford GT40 Mk I can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $5,050,000 for a 1966 Ford GT40 Mk I in good condition with average spec.
Did Ken Miles win Le Mans?
British-born Ken Miles was a gifted race car engineer and driver. Through his work for Carroll Shelby, Miles got involved in Ford's GT racing program. Miles won the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1966, and he placed second at Le Mans. Miles died in a crash while testing Ford's J-Car later that year.
How fast was Ken Miles going when he died?
After almost a day of testing at Riverside International Raceway in the very hot Southern California desert, Miles approached the end of the track's one-mile (1.6 km) downhill back straight at top speed—over 200 miles per hour (320 km/h)—when the car suddenly flipped, crashed, and caught fire.
What Ford was banned from Nascar?
NASCAR Bans The 426 Hemi And SOHC Ford To Launch A Wild 1965 Racing Season. It was the worst of times for NASCAR fans; it was the best of times for everyone else.
Did Ken Miles win Le Mans for Ford?
British-born Ken Miles was a gifted race car engineer and driver. Through his work for Carroll Shelby, Miles got involved in Ford's GT racing program. Miles won the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1966, and he placed second at Le Mans. Miles died in a crash while testing Ford's J-Car later that year.
Why is the Ford GT not street legal?
The GT Mk II uses smaller 19-inch wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport GT slick racing tires, although it shares the GT's carbon ceramic brakes. As a result of these changes, the GT Mk II is not street legal.
