Why was the GT40 banned?
The Ford GT40, a legendary sports car that dominated endurance racing in the 1960s, was famously banned from competition due to its overwhelming performance and technological advantages. This article explores the reasons behind the GT40's ban and its lasting impact on motorsports.
The Rise of the GT40
The GT40 was developed by Ford in the early 1960s as a response to the dominance of Ferrari in endurance racing, particularly the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans. The GT40 was an engineering marvel, featuring a mid-engine layout, advanced aerodynamics, and a powerful V8 engine that could reach top speeds of over 200 mph.
Under the leadership of Carroll Shelby, the GT40 quickly proved its mettle, winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans four times in a row from 1966 to 1969. The car's combination of speed, reliability, and handling made it virtually unbeatable on the racetrack.
The Reasons for the Ban
The GT40's overwhelming success soon led to concerns from other manufacturers and racing organizations. The car's advanced technology and performance capabilities were seen as giving Ford an unfair advantage, threatening the competitiveness of the sport.
- Aerodynamic Superiority: The GT40's sleek, low-slung design and advanced aerodynamics allowed it to achieve top speeds that were significantly higher than its competitors.
- Powertrain Dominance: The GT40's powerful V8 engine, coupled with its mid-engine layout, provided unparalleled acceleration and handling, making it nearly impossible to overtake on the track.
- Technological Advantage: Ford's extensive resources and engineering expertise allowed them to develop the GT40 with cutting-edge materials, suspension, and other technologies that were not readily available to smaller manufacturers.
In response to these concerns, the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the governing body of international motorsports, introduced new regulations that effectively banned the GT40 from further competition.
The Legacy of the GT40
The GT40's ban, while disappointing for Ford and its fans, had a lasting impact on the world of motorsports. It highlighted the need for fair and balanced regulations to ensure the competitiveness of the sport, and it paved the way for the development of new technologies and innovations that would shape the future of endurance racing.
Today, the GT40 remains one of the most iconic and celebrated sports cars in history, a testament to the power of innovation and the enduring spirit of motorsports. Its legacy continues to inspire enthusiasts and engineers alike, and its impact on the industry is still felt decades after its ban from competition.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
