The Saga of Ford GT40: Debunking the 90-Day Myth of Ford V Ferrari

The Saga of Ford GT40: Debunking the 90-Day Myth of Ford V Ferrari

Introduction

The trailer of the highly anticipated movie Ford V Ferrari suggests an intriguing 90-day timeline for Ford's creation of a rival to Ferrari. However, the reality is far more intricate. This article delves into the true story behind the iconic Ford GT40 and the challenges faced in its development, revealing why the 90-day narrative in the movie is an artistic dramatization rather than historical accuracy.

Development of the Ford GT40

After Ford's initial decision to enter the race, the development process for the GT40 was anything but a 90-day sprint. Significant engineering and design challenges warranted a much longer period of refinement and testing. The project was spearheaded by automotive legend Carroll Shelby and his team, who worked tirelessly to create a formidable vehicle capable of competing with the likes of Ferrari.

The initial phase of development involved extensive testing and modification led by John Wyer's Ford Advanced Vehicles (FAV) team. Their efforts, however, were not sufficient, leading Ford to turn to Carroll Shelby and Shelby American for crucial improvements.

The 90-Day Timeline Myths and Realities

The 90-day timeframe mentioned in the movie trailer likely refers to a critical phase in the development process rather than the entire project. In reality, the GT40 underwent continuous improvements and iterations leading up to its successful debut at the 1966 Le Mans race.

The 90-day period in question refers to the time Shelby had from the delivery of the Ford GT40s in November 1964 to the Daytona Continental 2000 Kilometer race in February 1965. Shelby's team had to work rapidly to retool the cars from the ground up, stripping them to the bare chassis and replacing nearly everything, including the engine, transmission, wheels, brakes, and the redesigned nose of the car.

The Daytona Race and Success

By Daytona, Shelby American had prepared two cars, and the race was a significant success. The Fords finished 1st and 3rd overall, with the third-place finisher being a GT-class Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe. This result marked the first time a GT40 had finished a race, proving the car's potential. Despite these achievements, victory at Le Mans remained elusive, still more than a year away.

Conclusion

The 90-day myth perpetuated by the movie trailer is a testament to the power of Hollywood's narrative devices. While the 90-day period was certainly an intense and critical phase, the true story of the Ford GT40 is one of perseverance, innovation, and the pursuit of automotive excellence.