EditCox 1965 1:32 Ford GT Assembly Instructions
Edit"Back in the Day" Ford GT History by Cox
The Ford G.T. is the first American car sponsored by a large automobile manufacturer to compete in international races in many years. This car is not merely a modified version of a standard car, but a totally new racing car from the ground up. The only part of the car that might be termed "standard" is the engine. It is basically the same engine used in the Fairlane sedan. However, the horsepower has been raised considerably, producing 350 H.P. from 256 cubic inches. The engine is extremely rugged and has undergone many hours of testing to insure reliability.
Considerable attention has also been given to the driver's comfort-an extremely important factor in long distance races. Wind, roar, fumes, heat, and lack of fresh air are obvious problems that have been taken into account, and every effort has been made to render the Ford G.T. as comfortable as possible to minimize driver fatigue.
The original car was equipped with wire wheels, but now the cars come equipped with magnesium wheels. These new wheels, produced by Shelby, are very light and strong. To improve the performance and handling characteristics, Ford continually incorporates the latest design improvements in the car. Unlike the original Ford G.T., the latest models now sport the rear end "spoiler" characteristic of many new G.T. designs.
At LeMans last year the Ford G.T. was clocked at 200 miles per hour down the long straight. This is fast by any standards. This year the car has been improved - so the performance should be even better.
The car is built up on a steel "Space-Frame" structure to which the Fiberglas body panels are attached. There were no less than 76 actual wind tunnel tests conducted before the body design was finalized. This gives you a rough idea of just how much research and work has gone into producing a first rate racing car that will wear the American racing colors.