Ford GT40 (United States of America, 1966)

Ford and partner Shelby American had achieved great success on prototype endurance racing with the first Ford GT40 model and decided to carry on with the development of this car, and that is how the second generation GT40 was born. Ford was majorly focused on being able to beat the new Ferrari 330 P3 on the tracks when working on the Mk2 GT40. Shelby American was responsible for most of the work on the new GT40’s suspension and chassis, which was carried out alongside some important improvements on the engine.

The Mk2 Ford GT40 was powered by a 7-liter V8 engine, which produced 485 hp and pulled off a top speed of 205 mi/h (330 km/h). It is incorporated into a mid-engine, rear-wheel drive layout.
Available transmissions for the Mk2 GT40 are a standard Ford T44 4-speed manual and an optional ZF 5-speed manual.

Sheet-steel semi-monocoque with square tube stiffening.   Platform (no data)   Suspension Front double wishbones with coil springs, tube shock absorbers and an anti-roll bar; rear transverse top link with lower wishbone, trailing arms, coil springs and anti-roll bar.   Steering Rack and pinion.   Brakes Front and rear Girling vented discs.

The Mk2 GT40’s coupe bodyshell dropped the previous long bonnet in favour of a shorter production front end, which resulted on a slightly shorter and lighter car. It also received a rear adjustable rear spoiler.

The 2nd generation Ford GT40 put up a remarkable performance at the 1966 season of the 24 Hours of Le Mans race, where three copies took, not only the first, but all podium places.