Editing Ford GT40 (section)

=== Mk I ===
[[File:1969-06-01 Ford GT 40 von Kelleners-Jöst.jpg|thumb|A GT40 Mk I competing in the 1969 [[Nurburgring 1000]]&nbsp;km race]]
[[File:Gulf Racer (8716645127).jpg|thumb|Mk I in [[Gulf Oil]] colors]]
[[File:1968 Ford GT40 Mk I (14288662849).jpg|thumb|1968 GT40 Mk I]]

The Mk I was the original Ford GT40. Early prototypes were powered by 255 cu in (4.2 L) [[alloy]] [[V8 engine]]s<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.racingsportscars.com/photo/Nurburgring-1964-05-31.html|title=Nürburgring 1000 Kilometres 1964|access-date=18 April 2010}}</ref> and production models were powered by [[Ford Windsor engine#289 HiPo (K-code)|{{cvt|289|CID|L|1}} engines]] as used in the [[Ford Mustang]]. Five prototype models were built with [[Roadster (automobile)|roadster]] bodywork, including the Ford X-1.<ref name=isr/> Two lightweight cars (of a planned five), AMGT40/1 and AMGT40/2, were built by Alan Mann Racing in 1966, with light alloy bodies and other weight-saving modifications.

The Mk I met with little success in its initial tune during the 1964 season. After the [[Bahamas Speed Week|Nassau]] in December, Ford handed over the project to Carroll Shelby's [[Shelby American]] team. The car won the 1965 [[24 Hours of Daytona#2000 km distance|Continental 2000 km of Daytona]] and the [[12 Hours of Sebring]], but otherwise the GT40 program was a disappointment overall, once again failing to finish at Le Mans. Much was later modified and run by [[J.W. Automotive]] (JW) in 1968 and 1969, winning Le Mans in both those years and [[Sebring International Raceway|Sebring]] in 1969. The Mk II and IV were both obsolete after the [[FIA]] had changed the rules to ban unlimited capacity engines, ruling out the 427 cu in (7 L) Ford V8. However, the Mk I, with its smaller engine, was legally able to race as a [[homologated]] sports car because of its production numbers.

In 1968, the GT40's main rival was the [[Porsche 908]], which was the first prototype built for the 3-liter Group 6. The result was a resounding success for the Mk I at the [[1968 24 Hours of Le Mans|24 Hours of Le Mans]], with [[Pedro Rodríguez (racing driver)|Pedro Rodríguez]] and [[Lucien Bianchi]] having a clear lead over the Porsches driving the 'almighty' #9 car with the '[[Gulf Oil]]' colors.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://primotipo.com/tag/ford-gt40-1076/ |title=Posts Tagged 'Ford GT40 '1076''|website=Primotipo.com|editor=GP Library|first=Rainer|last=Schlegelmilch|date=May 9, 2016|access-date=2018-09-08}}</ref> The season began slowly for JW, losing at Sebring and Daytona before taking their first win at the BOAC International 500 at Brands Hatch. Later victories included the Grand Prix de Spa, 21st Annual [[Watkins Glen International|Watkins Glen]] Sports Car Road Race and the 1000&nbsp;km di Monza.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.supercars.net/blog/1968-ford-gt40-mark-gulf-oil/|title=1968 Ford GT40 Mark I 'Gulf Oil'|website=supercars.net|language=en-US|access-date=2018-06-10|date=20 April 2016}}</ref> The engine installed on this car was a [[naturally aspirated]] [[Ford Windsor engine#302|Windsor]] {{convert|302|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} [[V8 engine|V8]] with a [[compression ratio]] of 10.6:1; fuel fed by four 2-barrel 48 IDA [[Weber Carburetors|Weber]] carburettors, rated at {{convert|317|kW|hp PS|0|abbr=on}} at 6,000 rpm and a maximum [[Torque#Machine torque|torque]] of {{convert|395|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} at 4,750 rpm.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ultimatecarpage.com/spec/1599/Ford-GT40-Mk-I-Gulf.html|title=Ford GT40 Mk I Gulf specifications|website=ultimatecarpage.com|language=en-US|access-date=2018-06-10}}</ref>

A total of 31 Mk I cars were built at the Slough factory in "road" trim, which differed little from the race versions. Wire wheels, carpet, ruched fabric map pockets in the doors and a cigarette lighter made up most of the changes. Some cars deleted the ventilated seats, and at least one (chassis 1049) was built with the opening metal-framed windows from the Mk III.

; X-1 Roadster
The X-1 was a roadster built to contest the Fall 1965 North American Pro Series, a forerunner of [[Can-Am]], entered by the Bruce McLaren team and driven by Chris Amon. The car had an aluminium chassis built at Abbey Panels and was originally powered by a 289 cu in (4.7L) engine. The real purpose of this car was to test several improvements originating from Kar Kraft, Shelby, and McLaren. Several gearboxes were used: a [[Hewland]] LG500 and at least one automatic gearbox. It was later upgraded to Mk II specifications with a 427 cu in (7 L) engine and a standard four ratio Kar Kraft (subsidiary of Ford) gearbox, however, the car kept specific features such as its open roof and lightweight aluminium chassis. The car went on to win the [[1966 12 Hours of Sebring|12 Hours of Sebring]] in 1966. The X-1 was a one-off and, having been built in the United Kingdom and being liable for United States [[tariff]]s, was later ordered to be destroyed by United States customs officials.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.supercars.net/cars/2492.html|title=Ford GT40 X1|work=supercars.net|date=20 April 2016 }}</ref>
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