<< Prev Page 2 of 3 Next >> Simply referred to as the Mk II, the two big block GT40s were entered in the 1965 24 Hours of Le Mans by Shelby American. Compared to the small-block sister cars, they featured a longer nose and fins on the engine cover to reduce drag and increase stability on the long straights. Clearly Ford's favoured cars, the Mk IIs were piloted by Bruce McLaren and Ken Miles in the #1 example and Chris Amon and Phil Hill in the #2. Despite weighing over 100 kg more than the nearest rival, they proved quickest of all in qualifying. Sadly neither managed to finish the race due to gearbox issues.
Encouraged by the pace of the two Shelby American cars shown at Le Mans, Ford decided to focus its efforts on the big block GT40s for the 1966 season. Eight chassis were lifted off the FAV production line and shipped to Shelby American to be updated to Mk II specification, although using the now standardised body design. Among the changes compared to the 1965 prototypes were ventilated brakes with additional fresh-air intakes at the rear in an attempt to keep the brakes cool. The 427 engine was also further tweaked, raising the power to an even more impressive 485 bhp.
Five Mk IIs were lined up for the 1966 season opening Daytona 24 Hours. Although all of these were de facto works cars, two were entered by Holman & Moody and the other three by Shelby American. The development work had paid off as the big-block GT40s were now not only fast but also reliable. Scoring Ford's most memorable sports car victory yet, Ken Miles and Lloyd Ruby headed an impressive 1-2-3-5 finish for the four surviving cars. At Sebring a Mk II placed second, beaten only by one of the prototype GTs, also powered by the 427 V8. Next on the agenda was the all-important 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Having learned their lesson from the 1965 edition, where no GT40 managed to reach the finish, Ford entered no fewer than eight Mk IIs. These were backed up by several small-block GT40s fielded by privateers. Of the works entries, three were prepared by Holman & Moody and Shelby American each, while Alan Mann Racing brought two cars. These 'British' Mk IIs used chassis originally earmarked for the team's lightweight GT40 project but Ford insisted that the Alan Mann Racing team joined the big block ranks. Tasked to drive the American armada were the likes of Bruce McLaren, Mario Andretti, Graham and Mark Donohue. << Prev Page 2 of 3 Next >>
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Simply referred to as the Mk II, the two big block GT40s were entered in the 1965 24 Hours of Le Mans by Shelby American. Compared to the small-block sister cars, they featured a longer nose and fins on the engine cover to reduce drag and increase stability on the long straights. Clearly Ford's favoured cars, the Mk IIs were piloted by Bruce McLaren and Ken Miles in the #1 example and Chris Amon and Phil Hill in the #2. Despite weighing over 100 kg more than the nearest rival, they proved quickest of all in qualifying. Sadly neither managed to finish the race due to gearbox issues.