From movies to games, the Ford GT is worthy of so much more respect
The 1967 Ford GT deserves far more recognition than it often receives, not just for its racing pedigree but for its role in a transformative period in automotive history. The Ford GT, particularly the MK IV model, represents a pinnacle of engineering innovation and competitive spirit during the 1960s.
The journey began with the creation of the J-Car, a prototype developed by Ford to challenge Ferrari’s dominance in endurance racing. Completed in March 1966, the J-Car featured a lightweight chassis and a fibreglass body.
Moreover, it made a stunning debut at the Le Mans Trials, where it recorded the fastest time, showcasing its formidable potential. However, the initial excitement was tempered when Ford shifted focus to the GT40 Mark II, which went on to secure a historic 1-2-3 finish at Le Mans in 1966.
Despite this success, the J-Car project was revived in late 1966 with renewed determination to compete against Ferrari’s 330 P4. The transformation of the J-Car into the Ford GT MK IV marked a significant advancement. Engineers and Shelby American overhauled the J-Car, introducing a sleek new design that included a longer front nose, a Can-Am-style tail, and a revised roofline with a rear window.
On top of that, underneath its striking exterior, the MK IV was powered by a 427 Ford V8 engine capable of producing 550hp. This powertrain enabled the MK IV to reach speeds exceeding 230mph (about 370km/h) on the Mulsanne Straight at Le Mans, a testament to its engineering prowess. The MK IV also featured a groundbreaking space-age honeycomb aluminium tub, a first for race cars, which provided exceptional rigidity while keeping the weight at 2,250 pounds.
In 1967, Ford entered four MK IVs into the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The race was a showcase of Ford’s dominance, with the J-5 driven by Dan Gurney and A.J. Foyt clinching victory. Earlier in the year, the MK IV made a triumphant debut at the Sebring 12 Hours, with Bruce McLaren and Mario Andretti steering the car to victory.
Despite these achievements, the Ford GT MK IV is often overshadowed by its predecessors and competitors. The legacy of the MK IV is preserved in its two J-Car prototypes and six MK IVs, with the latter achieving remarkable success on the track. After its racing career, the J-4, one of the MK IVs, was sold to private owners in 1970 after being used for testing at Daytona.
