The permanent car collection of the Caramulo Museum has been reinforced with a powerful Ford GT, the heir of the GT40 that consecutively won four editions of the 24 Hours of Le Mans between 1966 and 1969.
The unit now on display is one of only 343 produced from the commemorative GT Heritage Paint Livery Package edition, painted in the colors of Gulf Oil, and evoking the victories of the Ford GT40s entered by John Wyer Automotive Engineering Ltd at Le Mans in 1968 (with Pedro Rodriguez and Lucien Bianchi at the wheel) and in 1969 (driven by Jacky Ickx and Jackie Oliver).
With a V8 engine in a rear mid-position, capable of delivering 550 hp, this Ford GT is capable of reaching a top speed of 330 km/h.
Designed by Camillo Pardo and with strong similarities to the original model, in a style that evokes not only its lines but also its competitive and winning character, this model, due to a legal issue related to the rights to the GT40 name, became known simply as the Ford GT.
Production began in 2004 in Wixom, Michigan, USA, and lasted only two years, with 4038 units produced. The new GT featured a number of innovations, both for the time and for Ford, including aluminum body panels and a magnesium central console, among others.
The Ford GT is now on display, and can be seen from Tuesday to Sunday at the Caramulo Museum.
