It was the beginning of Motorsport era for Ford in 1960’s. Henry
Ford II decided to take his company in long distance endurance
racing against the 1957 Automobile Manufacturers Association ban
on racing. At that time the 24-hour Grand Prix at Le Mans was
the world’s most famous and glamorous motorsport contest, and
was dominated by Italians. In the quest to win the Le Mans,
Henry Ford II made a $18 million deal with Enzo Ferrari. But
Ferrari abruptly cancelled the deal. Now Ford needed a high
performance, mid- engine sports car. Then in April 1964 the
advanced and stylish “Ford GT” was released to compete at Le
Mans. The car was named the GT for Grand Touring (long distance
racing) but the number 40 was added later for its second
generation cars, representing its overall height of 40 inches.
Then in 1966 after much awaiting and struggle, the Ford GT40
created a history at Le Mans by achieving a Triple Crown with
all top three positions with GT40’s. Ford GT40 dominated for
next four years at Le Mans. Ford GT40