The Ford GT40 won the 24 Hours of Le Mans four consecutive times from 1966 through 1969. Ford developed the mid-engine racing car after its failed attempt to acquire Ferrari and its decision to challenge Ferrari’s dominance in endurance racing.
Ford’s breakthrough came in 1966, when a GT40 Mk II finished first, second, and third at Le Mans. Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon drove the winning car, while Ken Miles and Denis Hulme finished second.
The GT40’s victories continued in 1967 with a Mk IV, then in 1968 and 1969 with Gulf-sponsored cars. The program combined American engineering and funding with British design, construction, and racing expertise.
The name GT40 refers to the car’s approximate height of 40 inches. The racing GT40 should not be confused with the later Ford GT road car, which revived the styling but was a separate modern vehicle.