Supercars.net

Ford's machine to assault the Ferrari-dominated, sports car championship was the GT40. It raced Le Mans in 1964 and 1965 without much success whereas 1966 was the turnaround year. After that season Shelby American Cars raced and prepared the GT40 to victory, winning both the 66 & 67 Le Mans.

In 1968 regulations changed such that a five-litre capacity limit was imposed. Thus, Ford withdrew, after not having a suitable machine. Fortunately, JW automotive, under the direction of John Wyer, saw more potential in the GT40 platform. They prepared two cars to take on the Sports Car Championship with funding from Gulf Oil. These cars featured a host of new upgrades including new Gurney heads and aluminum rooftops. JWA took three cars to the 1968 Lemans of which chassis #1075 took victory. Repeating themselves, the very same car won Lemans the next year.

For both Sebring and Daytona the Gulf sponsored GT40s experienced problems forcing them to retire. Overseas victory was achieved with Jakie Ickx behind the wheel at Brans Hatch and Monza. By the end of the season, both Porsche and JW Automotive were entering the final round with a possibility to take the championship. Then, the second LeMans victory was achieved, including the championship with it.

Featured above is Ford GT40 Chassis #1075. This is the most important GT40 as it won both the 1968 and 1969 Le Mans 24 hour races. Only 2 cars in history have ever achieved that goal.

Videos