"Ford GT40 tells the history of Ford's historic racing program of the mid-twentieth century that challenged "real" racers and established a racing dynasty for the American manufacturer"--
SVT Owners Association tells the Ford GT story not only from an engineering and logistical perspective, but also from the point of view of the owners, whose connection to these cars is the true measure of success for Ford Motor Company. This hardcover, full-color book consists of 200 information-packed pages, including a comprehensive index covering all technical aspects of the car and production figures; historical roots of the Ford GT supercar, including previously unpublished photography; and a foreword by Fred Goodnow, Ford GT Design and Engineering Manager. This book photographically chronicles the Ford GT build process from beginning to end and includes a complete listing of each Ford GT vehicle identification number and build date.
In the 1960's very little science and engineering had been applied to the art of motor racing. As a result, there was no general agreement about the best technical approach to generating speed on a road racing track. Each car maker viewed the problem through the lenses of their own history and capabilities. The cars on the starting grid demonstrated how varied these histories were. When Ford first assaulted Le Mans in 1964, the company followed a similarly casual approach by initially purchasing a race car design from the English firm Lola. This car's numerous shortcomings soon led Ford to apply its considerable engineering and developmental resources to the project, and the result was the one-two-three finish in 1966. First place finishes followed in 1967, 1968 and 1969. It is the fabulous victories by Ford in the 1960's that inspired the new 2005 Ford GT. Based on a concept car the new production car embodies the characteristic proportions and styling elements of the original GT. Under its skin, however, it has little in common with the original other than its mid-engine layout. The 2005 Ford GT must function as a street car, with a climate control system, moderate interior noise levels, a reasonable ride, and the ability to operate in extremes of hot and cold. The seven original SAE papers from the 1960's contained in this book provide a wonderful insight into the development of the original Ford GT, during what many consider to be the technically most interesting period of sports car racing. The 11 SAE papers about the new GT included in this volume explain how Ford engineers managed to meet numerous modern-day requirements while staying true to the sprit of the original.
Starting in 1956 when Ford officially entered motor racing, this book takes the reader on a journey of how and why things happened the way they did. Who were the personalities behind the all the different Ford GT development programs, old and new.
35 years after winning at Le Mans, Ford have decided to put the limited edition GT into production. This book explores both the development and design of the GT, as well as the race history of the car that inspired it - the original GT40.
Official Shelby American team photographer, Dave Friedman, presents rare color photos that chronicle the entire unknown story of the development, production, and racing of Carroll Shelby's famous Ford GT40. From Shelby's California shop and early test sessions to the victory stand at Le Mans, it's all here in historical photographs and the words of race legends such as Carroll Shelby, Dan Gurney, Bruce McLa ren, A.J. Foyt, Bob Bondurant, Mario Andretti, Chris Amon, Carroll Smith and more. You did a hell of a job with this book, Carroll Shelby. I loved it, - Carroll Smith.
This sumptuous book tells the story of one of the world’s most important racing cars. Always raced in Gulf’s iconic blue-and- orange colours, this Ford GT40, known by its chassis number ‘1075’, won the Le Mans 24 Hours not just once but twice, in 1968 and 1969, and the second victory came after the closest fight ever seen at the finish of this great endurance race. Four other championship wins – at Brands Hatch, Spa, Watkins Glen and Sebring – add to this GT40’s distinction as the very best of its breed, driven by ‘greats’ such as Jacky Ickx, Pedro Rodríguez and Brian Redman. The car’s entire competition life is covered in fascinating detail, together with biographies of its drivers and insights into John Wyer’s crack team that ran it, all supported by a fine collection of period photographs.
Get the whole story on the car built to beat the world--Ford's GT. Henry Ford II, "the Deuce," wanted a race car capable of winning top-flight sports car events in Europe. Specifically, he wanted to win Le Mans. Ford learned that Enzo Ferrari would consider selling his company and negotiations quickly ensued. But after Ford spent considerable time and money reviewing Ferrari's operations and negotiating with Enzo, Ferrari abruptly backed out of the talks. The Deuce took Ferrari's actions as a personal insult. Word was sent down from on high: beat Ferrari. Ford settled on UK-based Eric Broadley's Lola GT, a cutting-edge car that featured a mid-engine chassis and small-block Ford V-8 power. The Lola GT would morph into the Ford GT. Carroll Shelby helped shape it into the "Mark II" GT40. The result was one of the most legendary wins in racing history: Ford's 1-2-3 sweep of Le Mans in 1966. Ford GT celebrates the 50th anniversary of Ford's iconic victory, providing the detailed back story leading to that historic win, as well as the follow-up win in 1967. The GT40's last two competitive seasons in 1968 and 1969 are also covered, for a complete view of this remarkable era in racing. Author Preston Lerner details the ups and downs of Ford's GT program, accompanied by Shelby American photographer Dave Friedman's historic images. Come re-live one of the most exciting stories in all of racing history!
In the 1960s the Ford Motor Company decided to enter the arena of sports car racing and challenge the European manufacturers, specifically Ferrari, for supremacy. The result was the GT40, and by the mid-1960s the car was posting victories at the most prestigious sports car endurance racing events around the world. In this comprehensive history of Ford's GT40, Ronnie Spain describes the development of the marque and features chassis records and photos of each and every car built.