The Ford GT: Beauty, Power, Aerodynamic | Indianapolis, IN

If there was ever a Ford car that could be described as a work of art, it would be the 

However, like many ground-breaking, up-and-coming stories that achieve greatness, the journey was a long, and difficult road. The Ford GT has gone through decades of failures, redesigns, upgrades, and tests to make what has become a staple automobile in the Ford family today. 

The Indianapolis, IN Ford GT today is a culmination of advanced technology, aerodynamics, and pure passion to create the ultimate performance car. 

Indianapolis, IN Ford GT - The Begining  

The Ford GT started with the idea that Ford Motor Company wanted to gain a competing edge in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and Sebring race. The first concept started with the design and concept of the GT40. In a matter of ten months, Ford created a vehicle that could hold its own in speed and competed in the LeMans race in mid-April of 1964. However, despite its incredible speed, design flaws caused it to fail miserably. Twelve hours into the 24-hour-long race, all three of Ford's GT40s broke down. The suspension failed along with the gearbox due to their inability to handle the speed at which the car could move. By December, the Ford GT team left the program to start rebuilding again. 

Redesign and Rebuild  

The utter failure at the Le Mans race in '64 was shattering, but it did not deter the Ford team. They went to work to re-create the Ford GT40. Through several tests, they with the help of the Ford Aeroneumatrinics team were able to redesign the car with better aerodynamics. Using some yarn, a computer, and the Dearborn wind tunnel, they were able to figure out that their airflow was a big part of their problem. 

Once the team had made the necessary adjustments, they were able to gain up to seventy-nine horsepower. They also made the car lighter using fiberglass instead of aluminum and steel. They replaced the wire-spoke wheel with wider magnesium wheels. With several other modifications, their GT40 was starting to look and perform like a race car. 

The next race was in Dayton in 1965, and the Ford GT40 won triumphantly, taking first and third. With a good start to the season, they went to France to test their GT40 at Le Mans during the time trial weekend. Their major competition was the Ferraris, which were dominating the track. The Ford team struggled to create modifications and experiment with different engines and gearboxes. 

However, Roy Lunn, one of the designers for the GT40, and his team created a new version of the race car that had a 7-liter 427 cubic inch engine. This was a larger engine, but, they were able to maintain the car's aerodynamic integrity. 

The team had tested this new design and continued to make modifications such as adding a spoiler to help increase the speed. It wasn't until the car reached 210 miles per hour on the straightaway that they felt prepared for the next race. 

Unfortunately, due to mistakes in the gearbox, the next Le Mans race was a complete disaster. 

The Victory - 1966 Le Mans  

Three years later from the start of the project and many rebuilds, redesigns, and countless failures, Ford was able to create a racing car that could stand up to the competitive edge that Ferrari had. In 1966, Ford raced their 289 GT40 and won. 

With the number of setbacks and failures, it would be easy for just about anyone to give up and cut their losses. However, Ford Motor Company and its racing team continued to push to create the best racing car. As a result of their hard work, and endurance, Ford Motor Company was able to create one of the best racing cars in the world, the 289 GT40 won Le Mans, the Manufacturer championship, as well as the Sports 50 title. 

Today's Ford GT Mk II  

Today, the Ford GT Mk II is a race car unlike any other. With its extraordinary 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost®  V6 engine, this car is the very definition of performance, grace, and aerodynamics. With the carbon-fiber body and teardrop shape, this car pushes 660 horsepower. 

This incredible vehicle is highly coveted and in the course of three years, only forty-five will be hand-built. Ford GT race cars are set at $1.2 million MSRP. Because there is such high demand, unfortunately, new applications are not being accepted at this time. While you may not be able to get your hands on the racecar, Ford does offer a Mustang GT. 

Ask About the 2022 Ford Mustang GT at Don Hinds Ford Inc.   

While the Mustang GT may not be as fast as the Ford GT Mk II, that does not mean it is slow, or any less fun to drive. The Shelby® GT500 offers a roaring 5.2L supercharged cross-plane crank V8 engine. This monster puts out more than 760 horsepower and 625 lb-ft. of torque. This type of power is unlike any other. It combines beauty, grace, and speed, into a flawless work of art. 

One of the best ways to get your hands on the Shelby GT500, come see us at Don Hinds Ford Inc. We have the very same core values of hard work and perseverance that Ford Motor Company had when creating the Ford GT in the very beginning. When you visit our dealership, you will be met with professionalism, excellence, and a team that knows their vehicles. 

Get your  maintenance on your Ford vehicle by a team that not only has the Ford certification but also has ASE certifications. We can provide  financing and credit options for qualifying customers to get the dream car they've always wanted.

You may also look at our  Ford Blue Advantage certified pre-owned vehicles that go through vigorous inspections to become Gold or Blue Certified. Whether you are looking to purchase a brand new Indianapolis, IN Ford GT or looking toward our used vehicle inventory, Don Hinds Ford is the Ford dealership for you. 

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