- 1,100
- United States
Poll 1294: 1967 Ford GT40 MK. IV nominated by @Volksauto
Body Style: 2-door coupe
Racing Class: Group 6 Prototype Sports Cars
Engine(s): 427 cid. (7.0L) V8
Power: 500 HP
Torque: 470 lb-ft
Weight: 2,205 lbs. (1,000 kg.)
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Drive train: mid engine, rear-wheel drive
Country: USA
Racing Class: Group 6 Prototype Sports Cars
Engine(s): 427 cid. (7.0L) V8
Power: 500 HP
Torque: 470 lb-ft
Weight: 2,205 lbs. (1,000 kg.)
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Drive train: mid engine, rear-wheel drive
Country: USA
Ford realized that the Mk II was reaching the end of its competitive life after Le Mans in 1966. It was heavy, and its aerodynamics were compromised. The decision was made to return to Le Mans with an all-new car incorporating the latest technology, with almost no regard to cost. Because this new racer was designed to comply with Appendix J of the FIA’s regulations, it was known as the J-Car. This would be the final, most advanced version of the GT40 and was first finished in January 1966.
The J-Car shared nothing with the GT40 beyond a 427 engine. It's chassis and body were constructed using aircraft techniques making the car 300 pounds lighter than the Mk II.
The J-Car was powered by a 4-barrel 500 horsepower 427 engine sent massive torque to the huge Kar Kraft T44 transmission. For good rain visibility at 200mph, the car was fitted with a wiper blade from a Boeing 707.
The J-Car received modifications that were mostly aerodynamic adjustments so it wasn't ready for Le Mans of 1966. While test driving prototype J-2 at Riverside, Ken Miles was unfortunately killed in a wreck as the car lost control and rolled. The fourth prototype was converted to Mk IV specifications and became the first J-Car to race and win. The car was driven by Mario Andretti and Bruce McLaren at the Sebring 12 Hours. Chassis J-5 through J-8 were completed in early 1967 and were built specifically to win that year’s Le Mans.
As a result, the Ford GT40 Mk IV became the first all American car and driver team to win Le Mans. Chassis J-5 (#1 car driven by Dan Gurney and A. J. Foyt) won the race. Chassis J-6 (#2 car driven by Bruce McLaren and Mark Donohue) finished fourth, J-7 (#3 car driven by Mario Andretti and Lucien Bianchi) wrecked and DNF, and J-8 (#4 car driven by Denny Hulme and Lloyd Ruby) wrecked and DNF.
After Le Mans 1967, the FIA limited engine size to 305ci. Ford discontinued it's GT racing program and Carroll Shelby closed Shelby American. John Wyer and JW Automotive came back with Gulf sponsorship for their updated GT40 Mk IIs, and the GT40 won Le Mans in 1968 and 1969 until Porsche finally stole Ford's crown in 1970 with their legendary 917K.
The J-Car shared nothing with the GT40 beyond a 427 engine. It's chassis and body were constructed using aircraft techniques making the car 300 pounds lighter than the Mk II.
The J-Car was powered by a 4-barrel 500 horsepower 427 engine sent massive torque to the huge Kar Kraft T44 transmission. For good rain visibility at 200mph, the car was fitted with a wiper blade from a Boeing 707.
The J-Car received modifications that were mostly aerodynamic adjustments so it wasn't ready for Le Mans of 1966. While test driving prototype J-2 at Riverside, Ken Miles was unfortunately killed in a wreck as the car lost control and rolled. The fourth prototype was converted to Mk IV specifications and became the first J-Car to race and win. The car was driven by Mario Andretti and Bruce McLaren at the Sebring 12 Hours. Chassis J-5 through J-8 were completed in early 1967 and were built specifically to win that year’s Le Mans.
As a result, the Ford GT40 Mk IV became the first all American car and driver team to win Le Mans. Chassis J-5 (#1 car driven by Dan Gurney and A. J. Foyt) won the race. Chassis J-6 (#2 car driven by Bruce McLaren and Mark Donohue) finished fourth, J-7 (#3 car driven by Mario Andretti and Lucien Bianchi) wrecked and DNF, and J-8 (#4 car driven by Denny Hulme and Lloyd Ruby) wrecked and DNF.
After Le Mans 1967, the FIA limited engine size to 305ci. Ford discontinued it's GT racing program and Carroll Shelby closed Shelby American. John Wyer and JW Automotive came back with Gulf sponsorship for their updated GT40 Mk IIs, and the GT40 won Le Mans in 1968 and 1969 until Porsche finally stole Ford's crown in 1970 with their legendary 917K.
