History -- Automobiles Ford GT-40, The

If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. But if you can't buy em, beat 'em. This was the idea behind one of the most remarkable road-going machines ever built-the stunning Ford GT-40. Henry Ford had hoped to buy Ferrari when the famed Italian manufacturer hit hard times in the 1960s. But when Fiat beat him to the punch, Ford decided to devote his energies to beating Ferrari on the track. The result was the GT-40--so named because it was only 40 inches high--and in 1966 it swept Ferrari from the winner's circle atthe famed 24 hours of LeMans race. Capable of reaching 220 miles per hour, the GT-40 was then modified for sale to consumers. But the "production" model was far from standard issue--prospective buyers had to send in their measurements to the factory, forwhile the pedals were adjustable the seat was not! From the racetrack to the highway, this is an illuminating look at one of the most breathtaking pieces of machinery ever built.