Ford GT40
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This article is about the 1960s Le Mans-winning racing car. For the supercar inspired by it, see Ford GT. For the graphic computer terminal produced by Digital Equipment Corporation, see DEC GT40. For other uses, see Ford GT (disambiguation).
Ford GT40

Overview
Manufacturer
Ford Advanced Vehicles
Shelby


Year Manufactured
1964-1969
Total produced:
105

Mk1 & Mk3: 5-speed manual Mk2 & Mk4: 4-speed manual


The Ford GT40 is a high-performance endurance racing car designed and built by the Ford Motor Company. It grew out of the "Ford GT" (for Grand Touring) project, an effort to compete in European long-distance sports car races, against Ferrari, who had won the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans race from 1960 to 1965. Ford succeeded with the GT40, winning the 1966 through 1969 races.
The effort began in the early 1960s when Ford Advanced Vehicles began to build the GT40 Mk I car, based upon the Lola Mk6, at their base in Slough, UK. After disappointing race results, the engineering team was moved in 1964 to Dearborn, Michigan, USA to design and build cars by Kar Kraft. All chassis versions were powered by a series of American-built Ford V8 engines modified for racing.
In 1966, Ford with the GT40 Mk II car broke Ferrari's winning streak at Le Mans, thus becoming the first American manufacturer to have won a major European race since Jimmy Murphy's triumph with Duesenberg at the 1921 French Grand Prix. In 1967, the Mk IV car became the only car designed and built entirely (both chassis and engine) in the United States to achieve the overall win at Le Mans.The Mk I, the oldest of the cars, won in 1968 and 1969, the second chassis to win Le Mans more than once. (This Ford/Shelby chassis, #P-1075, was believed to have been the first until the Ferrari 275P chassis 0816 was revealed to have won the 1964 race after winning the 1963 race in 250P configuration and with a 0814 chassis plate[9]). Its American Ford V8 engine, originally of 4.7-liter displacement capacity (289 cubic inches), was enlarged to 4.9 litres (302 cubic inches), with custom alloy Gurney–Weslake cylinder heads.
The "40" represented its height of 40 inches (1.02 m), measured at the windshield, the minimum allowed. The first 12 "prototype" vehicles carried serial numbers GT-101 to GT-112. Once "production" began, the Mk I, Mk II, Mk III, and Mk IV were numbered GT40P/1000 through GT40P/1145, and thus officially "GT40s". The Mk IVs were numbered J1-J12.
The contemporary Ford GT is a modern homage to the GT40.

Production


1966 Ford GT40 MkII
Scale 1:18 Die-cast Metal
Model Description
1:18 Scale Model. This model is of die-cast metal with some plastic parts. The museum has 2 models of this vehicle. One a 1:24 scale and the other this 1:18 scale model. As any collector, we will tell you that apart from the size of each of the models, perhaps the most important difference is the detail that exists between the two. On this 1:18 scale model, it's that extra detail that sets these two apart as we will see.
The Paintwork.
The paintwork is of course first rate. The paintwork, complete with those two silver strips right down the middle of the model, as well as the white and black numbers, give this an impressive appearance. The paintwork and the decals have been placed with care, and this is evident in their placement.
The Body.
On this model, we have the two doors that open quite wide that allows a very good look into the interior. The front section opens wide forward that again allows inhibited access to the trunk in this case. The rear section opens backwards that gives one an excellent view of the engine. On the body itself, we can see very clearly the riveting that was evident in its construction, since there were originally only very limited numbers built and most if not all were hand made. Looking at parts on the bodywork, where most models would have only imprints of items such as fuel caps and door sills just stamped, we have these items added separately which indicates that an impressive number of individual and separate parts were used in this model's construction. As this was a racing vehicle from its inception, this difference can be noticed in areas such as door windows that were bolted on rather than internally in the door panels. The wheels are naturally racers as this car was built for racing, with again having a great deal of detail not only with the tires, but also with the rims with the central lock nut that allows quick change over when being raced.
The interior
Again this was built as a racer, so was not built for comfort as can be seen in the interior. Even so, small details within the interior weather the seats with the details of the seatbelts right down to the smallest detail like the seat coverings that match the actual cars themselves. With the use of the silver colour accent of the gear handle knob, through to the instrument dashboard, the detail shows a commitment to make this model a special one for the collectors.
The Boot/Trunk
This section again shows that extra show of detail that is usually associated with expensive models. Rather than simply an impression, the spare tire is made the same as the tires on the model with the silver contrast, this makes this section so much better again when compared to more expensive models.
The Engine
Like everywhere else on this model, the amount of detail shown here of the engine has been done carefully. On this model, rather than showing a basic outline of the engine, a great deal of effort has been made to make this engine as realistic as possible for the scale. There are a number of individual parts made separately that have then been assembled to give this engine its identity. After all this was the car that beat Ferrari. So nothing but the best was expected.
The Overall Impression
A great model. Done in great detail as only a very special car should be done. This 1:18 scale model has allowed us to present such a highly regarded & respected vehicle. Sure it could have been done cheaper, but that would not have done justice to this historic vehicle. It displays a great deal of detail that so many models miss and this makes this a very desirable model to any collector. So one can only give top points for a job that has been done well. For your collection, definitely. 5.0/5.0 Robin Finlay 23/07/2023.