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The Ford GT40 is an iconic high-performance sports car developed by Ford to compete against Ferrari in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race during the 1960s. The name "GT40" stands for "Grand Touring, 40 inches tall," referring to its low height of just 40 inches.
Introduced in 1964, the GT40 was the result of Ford's attempt to acquire Ferrari, which ultimately failed. As a response, Ford decided to build a racing car capable of beating Ferrari on the track.
The GT40's development involved collaboration with British engineer Eric Broadley of Lola Cars and Ford's Advanced Vehicle Operations team. The car featured a lightweight chassis, aerodynamic bodywork, and a powerful Ford V8 engine.
After a series of iterative improvements and developments, the GT40 achieved its first victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966, securing a 1-2-3 finish and ending Ferrari's six-year winning streak.
The GT40 continued to dominate the Le Mans races in 1967, 1968, and 1969, cementing its status as one of the most successful and celebrated race cars in motorsport history.
Beyond its racing success, the GT40 became a symbol of American automotive engineering and determination, exemplifying the spirit of competition and performance.
In the 2000s, Ford revived the GT40 nameplate for the modern Ford GT, a limited-production supercar paying homage to the original. The modern Ford GT also achieved success in racing, including a class victory at the 2016 24 Hours of Le Mans, exactly 50 years after the original GT40's historic win.
The Ford GT40's legacy endures as an icon of American automotive history, celebrated for its exceptional racing achievements and its impact on the world of motorsports and high-performance cars.
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