Launched in 1964, the GT40 takes its name from its height (40 inches). It was the spearhead of the Ford saga at Le Mans, winning the 24 Hours with the Mk II version (1966) and Mk IV (1967). After reduction of the displacement of prototypes to 3 litres, the venerable Mk I (5 litre engine which was still allowed in the production class) took over in 1968 and 69, with two more victories in the famous blue and orange colours of the Gulf oil Company. In 1969, the winning GT40 qualified fourteenth, and started the first lap last, when driver Jacky Ickx walked to his car in protest against the traditional echelon start. After a fantastic comeback with team mate Jackie Oliver, the Belgian driver took first place from the Porsche 908 of Hans Herrmann and Gerard Larrousse on the last lap. The GT40 scored a final feat that ensured is legendary status.

Year : 37th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans (14 & 15 June 1969)
Number of cars entered : Six
Technical Information :
5 litre V8 (atmospheric)
Drivers :
Jacky Ickx-Jackie Oliver (n°6)
Mike Hailwood-David Hobbs (n°7)
Paul Vestey-Peter Sadler (n°8)
Frank Gardner-Malcolm Guthrie (n°9)
Jean Pierre Hanrioud-Dominique Martin (n°58)
Reinhold Joest-Helmut Kelleners (n°68)
Results :
1st (Jacky Ickx-Jackie Oliver)
3rd (Mike Hailwood-David Hobbs)
6th (Reinhold Joest-Helmut Kelleners)
Retired (Paul Vestey-Peter Sadler, Frank Gardner-Malcolm Guthrie)
Did not start (Jean Pierre Hanrioud-Dominique Martin)
Notes : First participation for Reinhold Joest, who finished sixth driving a GT40 entered by German magazine Auto Zeitung. In 2012 he scored his tenth victory at the 24 Hours as a team boss with the Audi R18 e-tron quattro.