Ford GT40 Mk I (Gulf - 1968/1969)

  • Powered by Ford 289 V8 with Gurney-Weslake cylinder heads.
  • Engine capacity later increased to 5.0 litres.
  • Induction system: 4 x Weber 48 IDA carburettors.
  • Based on standard monocoque but with aluminium roof structure.
  • Only 4 cars: 1074, 1075, 1076 & 1084.
  • Body panels reinforced with carbon fibre.
  • Power output was approximately 425 bhp.
  • Fitted with 6-spoke magnesium alloy wheels.
  • Weight at scrutineering: 2469 lbs.
  • Won at Le Mans in 1968 and 1969.
  • Top speed: 210 mph.

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Jacky Ickx at Brands Hatch in 1968 with GT40P/1075 and an unknown lady. The event was the BOAC 500.

Brands Hatch, later the same day. This was the first win with a GT40 for the Gulf-sponsored team. Drivers were Jacky Ickx and Brian Redman.

GT40P/1074 at the Nürburgring 1000 km in May 1968. The GT40 wasn't really suited to a circuit like the Nürburgring but this car, driven by Brian Redman and David Hobbs, managed a 6th place finish.

GT40P/1075 at the Nürburgring 1000 km in May 1968. The usual driver pairings were altered for this race which put Paul Hawkins alongside Jacky Ickx.

Paul Hawkins is ready to take his place in the drivers seat whilst 1075 is being refuelled at the Nürburgring 1000 km in May 1968.

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GT40P/1074 at the 1968 Daytona Continental.

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GT40P/1075 at Laguna Seca.

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The 1968 Daytona Continental. GT40P/1074 followed by 1075. This was one of the few events in which GT40P/1075 failed to finish.

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At first glance you might think that this was a replica. In fact it's GT40P/1084 with its rarely used registration number.

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Another photograph whose subject matter isn't quite as obvious as you might think. The venue is Snetterton in late 1969 and Paul Frère is testing the Le Mans winner for Motor magazine. However, GT40P/1075 wasn't available for the test as it was on tour in America so GT40P/1076 had to be used in its place.

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September 1968. GT40P/1075 is exhibited at the Paris Motor Show straight from winning the Le Mans 24 Hour Race.

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GT40P/1075 at the Sebring 12 Hour race in March 1969. The eventual winner, the car was driven by Jacky Ickx and Jackie Oliver.

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Another shot of the winning car at Sebring.

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Superb photograph courtesy of Harley Cluxton which shows GT40P/1076 in the foreground and GT40P/1074 which had its roof section removed for use as a camera-car for filming of the Steve McQueen movie "Le Mans".

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Another superb shot from Harley Cluxton showing GT40P/1074 during filming of "Le Mans".