GT40’s Rise to Glory

The 1960s are widely celebrated as the golden age of motorsport, a time when iconic drivers piloted some of the most beautiful machines ever crafted. Among the crown jewels of this era was the 24 Hours of Le Mans, a gruelling endurance race that epitomised both glamour and grit. Ferrari dominated this event for much of the decade, clinching their sixth consecutive victory in 1965 with the NART Ferrari 250 LM. However, a new contender was waiting in the wings: the Ford GT40.

In 1965, Ford’s GT40 program struggled, with none of its six entries finishing the race. However, Phil Hill’s record-setting lap in the Shelby American GT40X hinted at the car’s potential. The following year, Ford introduced the GT40 Mk II, equipped with a powerful NASCAR 427 engine. Aided by innovations in cooling and aerodynamics, the Mk II was poised to challenge Ferrari’s supremacy.

At the 1966 12 Hours of Sebring, this GT40 Mk II, driven by Walt Hansgen and Mark Donohue, showcased Ford’s growing competitiveness. Despite stiff competition from Ferraris and Porsches, Hansgen and Donohue secured a remarkable 2nd-place finish, marking Holman-Moody’s best Sebring result and foreshadowing Ford’s upcoming success.

Ford’s all-in strategy for Le Mans 1966 paid off spectacularly. With eight factory-supported GT40 Mk IIs the team achieved an iconic 1-2-3 finish, ending Ferrari’s dominance. Although the car featured here retired early due to mechanical issues, the race marked the beginning of Ford’s era of endurance racing supremacy.

After its racing career, it became a museum piece, eventually undergoing a meticulous restoration in the 2000s by Ford engineers. Today, it stands as a testament to Ford’s groundbreaking achievements, proudly displayed at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum alongside other legends of motorsport history.

From the setbacks of 1965 to the triumphs of 1966, the Ford GT40’s story embodies resilience and innovation. Its victory at Le Mans wasn’t just a win for Ford but a defining moment in motorsport history, cementing the GT40 as an enduring icon.

This iconic 1966 Ford GT40 Mk II is offered from the Collection of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum and will feature as part of RM Sotheby’s Miami Auction held between 27-28th February 2025. Photos © RM Sotheby’s / Darin Schnabel.