Ford GT40 Mark I '66

aspiration

NA (Naturally Aspirated)

Group

Gr.N

Displacement

4,727 cc

DriveTrain

MR

Height

1,029 mm

Length

4,191 mm

Weight

1,080 kg

Width

1,778 mm

Max Power

354 BHP / 6,500 rpm

Max Torque

46.5 kgfm / 5,500 rpm

Performance Point

PP 554.43

Manufacturer

Ford

Ford GT40 Mark I '66: The Legendary Le Mans Conqueror

The Ford GT40 Mark I '66 stands as one of the most iconic racing cars in automotive history. Born out of Ford's determination to best Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the GT40 became a symbol of American ingenuity and racing spirit. The story behind the GT40’s birth is almost as legendary as its on-track achievements. Following a failed acquisition attempt of Ferrari in the early 1960s, Henry Ford II set out to build a car capable of dethroning the Italian marque at the world’s greatest endurance race.

The GT40 Mark I was introduced in 1964, and by 1966, the car had undergone significant improvements. Powering the GT40 was a robust 4.7-liter (289 cu in) V8 engine, and its lightweight, aerodynamic chassis was crafted under the guidance of British engineers. The '66 GT40 looked elegant yet aggressive, a result of its low-profile (standing just 40 inches tall) and sleek lines, contributing to both its performance and signature silhouette.

The defining moment for the GT40 Mark I ‘66 was the legendary 1966 Le Mans 24 Hours, where Ford claimed an historic 1-2-3 finish, ending Ferrari’s six-year winning streak. This monumental achievement established Ford as a formidable force in international motorsport and turned the GT40 into a household name. Its racing success was amplified by its role in Le Mans victories from 1966 to 1969, etching its name into endurance racing lore.

Today, the Ford GT40 Mark I ‘66 is revered not just for its performance and engineering, but for the drama and perseverance it represents in automotive history. Highly sought after by collectors and celebrated in pop culture (most recently in movies like “Ford v Ferrari”), the GT40 continues to be a benchmark for sports car excellence, making it one of the greatest racing machines ever created.