1966 Ford GT40 MKI Coupe

The Ford GT40 was designed to beat the Ferraris at Le Mans with its 289 cubic-inch engine. Testing began in 1964 and plans were to win in 1965. Alas, it was not to be. The prototype was fast but it failed to go the
distance in any race. In 1965, with the help of Carroll Shelby, the 1965 Daytona Continental brought the GT40's first victory but it was determined the 289-cubic-inch GT40 didn't have what it needed to win. Later in 1965, Ford created the 427-cubic-inch GT40 and Phil Hill's MKII turned Le Mans fastest lap but like 1964, the team retired en masse. Ford returned in 1966 with eight factory MK IIs and five independently entered GT40s. Ford MK IIs finished one-two-three. They returned with another car in 1967, the MK IV. Again, Ford won the 24-hour race and immediately announced retirement from the field.

This Ford GT40P with chassis number 1049 was originally a road-going car that was quickly converted to racing specifications. The owner was Grady Davis, the vice president of Gulf Oil who was instrumental in creating the relationship between the Ford GT40, Gulf Oil, and John Wyer.

At the 1967 Daytona Continental 12 Hours this car was driven by Jackie Ickx and Dick Thompson to a first in Class and a very impressive sixth overall.

Since that time the car has been treated to a complete restoration. It is seen here at the 2007 Monterey Historic Races.

By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2019

The Ford GT40 was designed to beat the Ferrari at Le Mans with its 289 cubic-inch engine. Testing began in 1964 and plans were to win in 1965. Alas, it was not to be. The prototype was fast but it failed to go the distance in any race. In 1965, with the help of Carroll Shelby, the 1965 Daytona Continental brought the GT40's first victory but it was determined the 289 cubic-inch GT40 didn't have what it needed to win.

Later in 1965, Ford created the 427 cubic-inch GT40 and Phil Hill's MKII turned LeMans fastest lap but, like 1964, the team retired en masse. Ford returned in 1966 with eight factory MKIIs and five independently entered GT40s. Ford MKIIs finished one-two-three. They returned with another car in 1967, the MK IV. Ford won the 24-hour race and immediately announced retirement from the field.

This example has a special place in the history of the GT40s at LeMans. Its owner, Grady Davis, a Gulf Oil vice president, decided to have Gulf sponsor a team of lightweight GT40 derived Mirage prototypes to be managed by small-block GT40 engines. Their efforts were rewarded by LeMans wins in 1968 and 1969.