Slideshow: The Shelby's That Destroyed Ferrari

1000km At The Ring

In 1964 the GT40 wasn’t the historical champion it would eventually become. Around this time the car was being tested at the Nurburgring 1000km where it would meet an unfortunate —albeit it lucky— fate. While running strong in second place the suspension would fail ultimately resulting in the car’s retirement. Shortly after Ford would appoint Carroll Shelby as the team leader. Things were about to change. 

Winning Here. Winning There.

But not winning where it mattered the most. The GT40 swept podiums from Daytona to Sebring showing early signs of a strong ability to go 24 hours without dropping out. Placing Carroll at the helm was definitely the right decision on Ford’s behalf. 

>>Join the conversation about Shelby creations beating out the Prancing Horse right here in The Mustang Source.

The Champ is Here

Not only did they win, they took all three podium spots. Not a single Ferrari that day would stand above the crowd. Combined with an “incredible amount of front lift,” according to Kent Harrison, an aerodynamicist at Ford. Coupled with 485bhp and 475 lb-ft of torque the car would have been a handful to wheel around Le Mans given a weight of 2,600 lbs. 

>>Join the conversation about Shelby creations beating out the Prancing Horse right here in The Mustang Source.

Scared Off

After Shelby won back to back victories with the Mk. 2 and Mk. 4 GT40s, team SpA Ferrari would be unheard of again. While Ford continues to partner with powerhouses like Chip Ganassi to continue the new GT’s racing heritage, the same can’t be said for the guys in Maranello. Independent teams are the only ones flying the Italian flag for Ferrari. A factory effort is nowhere in sight. 

>>Join the conversation about Shelby creations beating out the Prancing Horse right here in The Mustang Source.

New Italians

The new Italians to beat aren’t Italian at all: they’re German. This year Porsche took top marks at Le Mans which begs the question what a Ferrari comeback would do to shake things up. We hope Ferrari comes back so we can see the three best sports car manufacturers duke it out next year. Hope you enjoyed. 

>>Join the conversation about Shelby creations beating out the Prancing Horse right here in The Mustang Source.

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