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1965 Ford GT Roadster Prototype

1965 Ford GT Roadster Prototype

The 1965 Ford GT Roadster Prototype is an iconic vehicle in American automotive history. Built as a prototype for the 1966 Ford GT40, the car was the first of its kind to feature a mid-mounted engine, a revolutionary concept at the time. The vehicle was designed to be able to compete in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race, where it went on to win three consecutive class victories. It not only redefines the boundaries of performance, but also has become a symbol of American automotive excellence.

1965 Ford GT Roadster Prototype

Design and History

The 1965 Ford GT Roadster Prototype was designed by Ford’s head of vehicle design, Gene Bordinat. It featured a mid-mounted V8 engine and a chassis that was both lightweight and aerodynamic. The car was intended for endurance racing, and was built to be as light and as powerful as possible. It featured a four-speed manual transmission and a four-wheel independent suspension. The vehicle weighed in at only 2,100 pounds, allowing it to reach speeds of up to 175 mph.

1965 Ford GT Roadster Prototype

Performance

The 1965 Ford GT Roadster Prototype was designed to be a competitive endurance racer. It was able to achieve a top speed of 175 mph and had a 0-60 time of only 5.5 seconds. It was also designed to be nimble and responsive, with a low center of gravity and a tight turning radius. The car was able to take corners at high speeds without any body roll.

1965 Ford GT Roadster Prototype

Racing Heritage

The 1965 Ford GT Roadster Prototype was the first of its kind and was intended to compete in endurance races. It was entered in the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans and won its class three consecutive times. It also won several other endurance races, including the 12 Hours of Sebring and the 24 Hours of Daytona. It was driven by some of the most famous racers of the time, including Dan Gurney, Ken Miles, and Bruce McLaren.

1965 Ford GT Roadster Prototype

Legacy

The 1965 Ford GT Roadster Prototype has become an iconic symbol of American automotive excellence. It has been featured in several films, including the classic 1968 movie “Le Mans”. The car has also been featured in various video games, television shows, and books. It has become a symbol of American racing heritage and has inspired generations of automotive enthusiasts.

1965 Ford GT Roadster Prototype

The Car Today

The 1965 Ford GT Roadster Prototype is now owned by the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, California. The car is still in excellent condition and is considered to be one of the most valuable cars in the museum’s collection. It is still occasionally shown at car shows and events, and its legacy as an iconic symbol of American automotive excellence continues to live on.

1965 Ford GT Roadster Prototype

Gallery of ‘1965 Ford GT Roadster Prototype’

The 1965 Ford GT Roadster Prototype is an iconic vehicle in American automotive history.
The car was designed to be able to compete in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race, where it went on to win three consecutive class victories.
The car was able to achieve a top speed of 175 mph and had a 0-60 time of only 5.5 seconds.
The car was driven by some of the most famous racers of the time, including Dan Gurney, Ken Miles, and Bruce McLaren.
The 1965 Ford GT Roadster Prototype has become an iconic symbol of American automotive excellence.
The car is still in excellent condition and is considered to be one of the most valuable cars in the Petersen Automotive Museum’s collection.
It is still occasionally shown at car shows and events, and its legacy as an iconic symbol of American automotive excellence continues to live on.
The 1965 Ford GT Roadster Prototype was the first of its kind to feature a mid-mounted engine, a revolutionary concept at the time.
The vehicle was designed to be as light and as powerful as possible and featured a four-speed manual transmission.
The car was able to take corners at high speeds without any body roll, allowing it to compete in some of the most prestigious endurance races of its time.

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