The fabulous Ford Le Mans era

A design drawing of the original Ford GT, later called the GT40.

By Mark Bisset

Date posted: 19 April 2025

The roar of the Ford GT40 wasn’t just a sound—it was a declaration. From the moment Henry Ford II decided to take the fight to Ferrari, it became one of the most compelling eras in motorsport history. Now, Auto Action Premium takes readers deep into the origin, development, dominance and legacy of the GT40 in our most detailed historical feature to date.

Following last month’s breaking news about Ford’s return to Le Mans in 2027 with an LMDh Hypercar, this issue shifts gears and dives headfirst into the legendary GT40 story—from concept to conquest. And trust us: the truth is every bit as fast, furious and political as the legends suggest.

The story begins with a snub—the day Enzo Ferrari walked away from a Ford buyout deal in 1963. That rejection lit a fire in Dearborn. What followed was not just revenge, but revolution. Ford didn’t just enter Le Mans—they changed the sport, and the GT40 became their weapon of choice. Auto Action Premium gives you the blow-by-blow account, supported by rare archival details and insights from internal Ford documents.

Inside, you’ll learn how the Mustang I team pivoted to build the first GTs, how Lola’s Eric Broadley shaped the car’s DNA, and how Shelby American and Kar-Kraft re-engineered the MkII into an endurance monster. With engineering detail, testing drama, and behind-the-scenes boardroom politics, this isn’t a summary—it’s the untold story of the GT40 from blueprint to podium.

We profile every era—from the raw brutality of the 289-powered MkIs, through the thundering 427 MkIIs, to the honeycomb-shelled MkIVs and the privateer MkIs that outlasted Porsche in 1969. Every technical breakthrough, every political blunder, every hard-earned finish at Daytona, Sebring and, of course, Le Mans, is dissected in forensic, fascinating detail.

The GT40 wasn’t built in isolation. It was a global collaboration between Lola, Ford Advanced Vehicles in Slough, Shelby American in California, and Kar-Kraft in Michigan. And the racing talent? Names like McLaren, Miles, Gurney, Ickx, Foyt, Andretti and Hill all contributed to the GT40’s legacy. Auto Action Premium relives their stories, from testing dramas to triumphant victories.

This isn’t just about Le Mans—though four wins on the trot from 1966 to 1969 cemented the GT40 as a titan. It’s about the Ford Total Performance era, and how this car became the ultimate expression of American muscle and aerospace engineering in motorsport form. We even touch on the GT40s that raced in Australia—including the Surfers Paradise 12 Hour in 1966.

If you’re a student of motorsport history, a Ford fanatic, or simply love a beautifully told story of how vision, funding, and fury built a world-beater, this is essential reading. Written with technical precision and passion, this is a must-have issue for anyone who ever dreamed of racing down the Mulsanne Straight.

Auto Action Premium is out now in more than 2300 outlets across Australia. Whether you’re grabbing your print copy or reading online, this deep-dive feature on the GT40 is worth every second of your time. It’s the kind of storytelling you won’t find anywhere else.

To find an outlet, view our map.

So don’t miss out—pick up your copy of Auto Action Premium today and relive the thunder of one of racing’s most iconic machines. The legacy of the GT40 is alive, and Ford’s next Le Mans chapter is just around the corner. But first, read how it all began.

Don’t forget the print edition of Auto Action available via subscription here or you can purchase a copy of the latest issue from one of our outlets here. For more of the latest motorsport news, subscribe to AUTO ACTION magazine

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The fabulous Ford Le Mans era

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