The GT40\'s 40th Anniversaries
We have actually reached, and are reaching some 40th anniversary milestones for the GT40 that shouldn’t go unnoticed. Here are a few.
(The reference used was FORD GT40 An Anglo American Supercar Classic, by David Hodges).
Summer 1962
Henry Ford II tore up the ANA agreement to not participate in racing. These were the beginnings of the Ford racing program which eventuated in the development of the GT40.
1962
Ford Special Vehicles Department (Total Performance) was established around ex Jowett’s chief engineer Royston Lunn
1962
Group of Ford executives including Roy Lunn headed to England to set up a collaboration in the specialized field of racing car design
January 1963
Lola GT with a Ford 260 cu-in engine was first shown to the public at the London Racing Car Show. It was later to become the basis for the GT40.
End 1963
Lola GT was used by Ford for component test program. By now the car was running a 256cu in (4.2 ltr) engine.
March 1964
The target of the GT40 race debut at Sebring was cancelled due to friction within the team.
April 1st 1964
The first GT40 emerged to be flown to New York for a press release.
Mid April 1964
The GT40 made its track debut on the test day at LeMans. The car achieved the 13th fastest time with Schlesser’s lap of 4min 21.8 sec.
May 31st 1964
First GT40s raced at the Nurburgring 1,000 km. Drivers were Phil Hill (qualified 2nd fastest) and Bruce McLaren.
All feel free to add to the list.
Maybe we could also have an ongoing party to celebrate all its successes. Then onto the next decade, where we could start again in celebrating its 50th
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We have actually reached, and are reaching some 40th anniversary milestones for the GT40 that shouldn’t go unnoticed. Here are a few.
(The reference used was FORD GT40 An Anglo American Supercar Classic, by David Hodges).
Summer 1962
Henry Ford II tore up the ANA agreement to not participate in racing. These were the beginnings of the Ford racing program which eventuated in the development of the GT40.
1962
Ford Special Vehicles Department (Total Performance) was established around ex Jowett’s chief engineer Royston Lunn
1962
Group of Ford executives including Roy Lunn headed to England to set up a collaboration in the specialized field of racing car design
January 1963
Lola GT with a Ford 260 cu-in engine was first shown to the public at the London Racing Car Show. It was later to become the basis for the GT40.
End 1963
Lola GT was used by Ford for component test program. By now the car was running a 256cu in (4.2 ltr) engine.
March 1964
The target of the GT40 race debut at Sebring was cancelled due to friction within the team.
April 1st 1964
The first GT40 emerged to be flown to New York for a press release.
Mid April 1964
The GT40 made its track debut on the test day at LeMans. The car achieved the 13th fastest time with Schlesser’s lap of 4min 21.8 sec.
May 31st 1964
First GT40s raced at the Nurburgring 1,000 km. Drivers were Phil Hill (qualified 2nd fastest) and Bruce McLaren.
All feel free to add to the list.
Maybe we could also have an ongoing party to celebrate all its successes. Then onto the next decade, where we could start again in celebrating its 50th
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