GT 101
Ford GT40 chassis number GT 101 :
General info:
The first car was named the GT (for Grand Touring) with the 40 representing its overall height of 40 inches (1.02 m, measured at the windshield) as required by the rules. Large displacement Ford V8 engines (4.7 liter and 7 liter) were used, compared with the Ferrari V12 which displaced 3.0 liter or 4.0 liter.
Early cars were simply named “Ford GT”. The name “GT40″ was the name of Ford’s project to prepare the cars for the international endurance racing circuit, and the quest to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The first 12 “prototype” vehicles carried serial numbers GT-101 through GT-112.
GT 101 Race results:
04/64 / Le Mans Trials, 9, Schlesser, DNF
GT 101 History: No data yet
Configuration: steel monocoque coupe chassis. Engine: 255 indy. Trans: Colotti T-37 4 speed. Delivered to Ford/FAV, Slough, England.
The original Ford GT or GT40 as we call even the early prototype cars now, chassis GT 101 was supplied by Abby Panels in coventry on march 16th 1976. It was built in only 16 days. It was announced to the press on April 1st 1964 at a hotel near Heathrow airport, London England.
Any one have photos or film of this event? Hard to believe no photos exist of such an important affair in the world of motor racing.
Wonder if they had any hint of what they started? I would have to believe they did as chassis GT 101 looks as beautiful as any GT40 does now.
The car had completed a total of 464 test miles. The car met it’s end on lap 8 of the Le mans trials, or did it? History does not record weather the car was scrapped and the next chassis was built up or this chassis was re-numbered as a later chassis. No one has supplied the eminent facts so people continue to wonder if indeed the first GT40 chassis 101 still exist, rebuilt with another chassis number.
Chassis GT 101 race results are from classicscars.com
I have seen photos of this car on the internet but do not know who has the copyright. There are photos in the factory showing final preparation; press photos on the tarmac with airport hangars and passenger jets in the background; photos on a giant lift platform as the car was loaded on a plane bound for New York. In April the car went to France for the LeMans trials where it was written off. I have seen photos of the car at LeMans – parked up, on the track and at the scene of the crash. The front end and left side of the car looks pretty badly damaged. Hope these comments are useful.
Thanks Brian, if you know where those photos are online send me a link. send to mrrbob at gmail.com or use the contact form here
Thanks