EditReal Deal: The Ford GT
The Ford GT is the result of the Ford Motor Company's attempts to produce a high performance automobile that would provide them with advanced information on innovations and improvements applicable to their production cars. The decision for a GT car was made because of the severe road conditions these cars compete under. At the same time, it would let them attack Ferrari's superiority in this type of competition, and if all went well, it would give the advertising department some new material along the "total performance" theme.
Early in 1963, the project was approved and underway. The design problems were assigned to Roy Lunn, who had previously designed the Mustang I in record time. By mid-year 1963, after much time spent in wind tunnel testing, the basic design was established. Eric Broadley of Lola GT fame was selected, because of the similarity of his Lola and what Ford had in mind, to do the final design and construction. While the Ford GT was under construction, several Lolas were used to conduct component tests.
The first of the Ford GTs were completed in early 1964, in time to attend the Le Mans trials. Aerodynamics seemed to be the biggest problem at the trials and both cars were involved in mishaps. High-speed instability, which occurs above 175 mph, would have to be solved before Le Mans, less than three months away.
The problems were solved in time to compete at Le Mans and all seemed to be going well. But after setting new lap records and generating considerable spectator excitement, they finally retired with gearbox problems. Since that time they have undergone a series of minor changes and have proved themselves raceworthy. At the Daytona Continental, a 2000 kilometer race (1234 miles) they outdid all of the competition including the extremely reliable Ferraris. Soon thereafter a Ford GT finished second overall and first in the prototype category at the Sebring 12-hour race being beaten only by another American built and powered car competing in the sports category.
The Ford GT is a rear-engined car of very low profile, standing only 40.5 inches high. The chassis is of semi-monocoque construction being made out of light steel sheeting. The body panels are constructed of fiberglass reinforced plastic and full independent suspension is employed throughout. The push rod engine is an aluminum block version of the Fairlane V8, the same type that was used so successfully at "Indy" in 1963. It is outfitted with four dual-throat Weber carburetors and a "bundle of snakes" exhaust system. It reportedly produces 376 bhp at 7200 rpm, enough power to enable top speeds of about 215 mph.
EditFord GT40 at 1966 Le Mans