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We all have our opinions on the greatest sports car, muscle car or classic, but what about the greatest American race car? As one of the latest questions posed on Jalopnik’s “Question of the Day,” many contenders must be considered.
To Jalopnik, however, one race car stands above the rest and was chosen as America’s greatest. Backed by vintage footage of the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans, we take a look at history-making race car that was chosen: the Ford GT40.
The GT40 was the creation of Hank “The Deuce” Ford. After being snubbed in negotiations to buy the Italian sports car company Ferrari, Ford invested millions of dollars into creating what would become Ferrari’s greatest competition on the track.
With British influences, the GT40 was backed by Dearborn engineering, and although not the fastest race car, it was the most suited for taking on the 24 hours of Le Mans in 1966. With Ferrari and other competition taken by storm, Ford took first, second and third place victories at the historic race.
Included with Jalopnik’s decision to name the GT40 the greatest American race car is footage taken of the 1966 24 hours of Le Mans and aired on the Legends of Motorsport. With insight from racing greats like Carroll Shelby, Bruce McLaren and Graham Hill, the footage shows the trials and triumphs of Ford as they made history.
While other great race car contenders were brought up, such as the Chaparral race cars, no other race car took the competition by storm like the GT40 did. All in all, we agree with Jalopnik’s choice for the greatest American race car. Check out the vintage footage before you doubt the decision.
