1968 Ford GT40 Chassis P/1075 is the most famous GT40 around as it won both the 1968 and 1969 Le Mans 24 hour races. Only 2 cars in history have ever achieved that goal! Number 1075's amazing record also included 6 wins in its 11 races.
Taken 2013 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance were this car won the Best of Show Concours de Sport. The Concours celebrated the 50th anniversaries of the Ford GT40, Porsche 911, Corvette Sting Ray and Lamborghini, the race cars of Harry Miller and the motorcycles of Ducati. The Ford GT40 class had an amazing gathering gathering of fourteen race cars on the show field!
Design and Features
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Engine: The GT40 P/1075 is powered by a 4.9-liter (or 5.0-liter) Ford V8 engine, producing around 425 horsepower. This engine was designed for high performance and endurance, providing the power necessary to compete at the top levels of international motorsport.
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Chassis and Suspension: The car features a lightweight steel monocoque chassis with advanced aerodynamics for its time. The suspension system includes independent wishbones, coil springs, and telescopic dampers, providing excellent handling and stability at high speeds.
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Bodywork: The GT40 has a low-slung, aerodynamic body designed for minimal drag and maximum speed. The bodywork of P/1075, like other GT40s, was made of lightweight materials to enhance performance.
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Interior: The interior is stripped down for racing, with a focus on functionality. It includes essential instrumentation, bucket seats, and safety harnesses, ensuring the driver has everything needed to perform in endurance races.
Historical Significance
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Le Mans Victories: Chassis P/1075 is famous for winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans twice, in 1968 and 1969. This remarkable achievement made it one of the most successful cars in the history of the race. It was driven by a stellar lineup of drivers, including Pedro Rodríguez, Lucien Bianchi, Jacky Ickx, and Jackie Oliver.
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Racing Pedigree: The success of P/1075 at Le Mans cemented the GT40's legacy in motorsport. The car's performance demonstrated Ford's capability to challenge and beat the dominant European manufacturers like Ferrari, which was a primary goal of the GT40 program.
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Technical Innovations: The GT40 P/1075 showcased numerous technical innovations, including advanced aerodynamics, powerful V8 engines, and superior handling characteristics. These innovations were instrumental in the car's success and influenced future racing car designs.
Collectibility
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Rarity and Provenance: As one of the few cars to win Le Mans twice, P/1075 is incredibly rare and highly coveted by collectors. Its racing provenance and historical significance make it one of the most valuable and important cars in the world.
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Value: Due to its historical achievements and rarity, the GT40 P/1075 commands extremely high prices in the collector car market. It has been sold for record-breaking amounts at auctions, reflecting its status as a true automotive icon.
Legacy
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Enduring Icon: The GT40, particularly chassis P/1075, remains an enduring symbol of American ingenuity and competitive spirit in motorsport. Its success story is a testament to Ford's determination and engineering prowess.
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Cultural Impact: The GT40's victories, especially the legendary status of P/1075, have been celebrated in various forms of media, including books, documentaries, and the film "Ford v Ferrari," which dramatizes Ford's efforts to win at Le Mans.
You may purchase a print of the 1968 Ford GT40 Chassis P/1075 in our dElegance 2013 online gallery.