The Ford GT-40 program was a result of Henry Ford II's unsuccessful attempt to buy Ferrari. Initially welcomed by Ferrari, a deal was all but agreed on - but Ferrari called it off in 1963 after an agreement with Fiat gave some financial backing to Ferrari while also promising to preserve Ferrari's independent. When rebuffed, Henry decreed that Ford compete at long-distance races against Ferrari (who won at LeMans six times from 1960 to 1965). The Ford GT-40 became a winner of the 24 Hours of LeMans four times, from 1966 to 1969.
The car was named the GT after the Grand Tourismo category; the 40 represented its overall height of 40 inches, as required by the rules. Ford V8 engine of 4.7 and 7.0 liters were used, compared with the Ferrari V12, which displaced 3.0 or 4.0 liters. The first 12 'prototype' vehicles carried serial numbers GT-101 through GT-112. When 'production' began, subsequent cars were officially called 'GT-40s,' which dispels the story that the identifier was 'only a nickname.'
This feature GT-40 coupe was purchased by the Corvette group at Chevrolet Engineering by Zora Arkus-Duntov as GM considered producing a mid-engined Corvette. The car was purchased from General Motors in February, 1967. It was restored for a Watkins Glen racetrack reunion in 1989. | |
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