GT5 Transcripts/Ford GT40 Race Car '69

In 1963, Ford set out to conquer the World Endurance Championship. In the beginning, the company even thought about acquiring Ferrari to realize its goal, but ultimately, it obtained the rights to manufacture the Lola GT, made by the up-and-coming race car constructor, Lola. This marked the beginning of the Ford GT, a car that would eventually alter racing history.
The soon-to-be famous race car utilized a twin-tube monocoque chassis, considered cutting-edge technology at the time. The front and rear suspension consisted of parallel double wishbones, the same as a formula racer. The engine, based on the company's new 289 cu.-in. V-8, had its power increased to 375 HP.
This first-generation Ford GT, called the Mark I, was originally slated to run in the FIA GT prototype category. This class was later changed to the Group 6. The car was nicknamed the GT40 because its overall height, from the ground to its roof, measured only 40 in.
The 7.0-liter Mark II and the Mark IV that followed also ran in the Group 6 category. But in 1968, the FIA limited Group 6 displacement to 3.0 liters, which disallowed the Mark II and Mark IV from contesting in this class. That said, a Group 4 category was created, where if a 25-car production quota was met, cars with engine displacements up to 5.0 liters were allowed. The Ford GT40 raced in this category in the World Championships.
The Gulf Oil-sponsored car here, with the famous chassis number P/1075, was managed by the private racing team, John Weir Racing. This GT40 was originally a Group 6 car, but because of the regulation changes in 1968, it was fitted with a Weslake head 302 cu.-in. V-8 and rebuilt for the Group 4 class. The P/1075 won Le Mans in 1968 and 1969.
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