Ultimate GT40 – The Definitive History, Vol. 2: 1963–1965
by John S. Allen, Graham Endeacott & Mark Cole with Mike Teske
“Over the last 60 years there have been many published works about Ford’s iconic GT40—born out of Ford’s determination to beat Ferrari in the Le Mans 24 Hours—so many that one could be forgiven for thinking that there could be little new material, certainly not enough to fill another book, let alone a four-volume set. What makes this work different?”
Having built up my upper body strength with Volume 1, The Chassis History, I here turn my attention and yours to the equally massive next volume, again limited to a run of 750 numbered copies. Subtitled 1963–1965, it covers in chronological order the creation and completion of a car that still looks futuristic today.
Without giving the plot away, the story of the early years has been exhaustedly covered in numerous books, both those dedicated to the GT40 and even more covering the Ford vs. Ferrari contests that ensued. In outline:
- Ford declaring their intent to win Le Mans
- The abortive wooing of Ferrari
- Kick-starting the process with the Lola GT6
- Ford Advanced Vehicles (FAV) in the UK commissioned to build and race the cars
- Patience lost with FAV and thus transfer of the Le Mans efforts to Carroll Shelby
- Everything lined up to crush Ferrari at Le Mans in 1965
All of the joint authors have extensive experience researching and writing about the GT40. In their own words, “Having been given unprecedented access to Ford Motor Company’s own records, together with those of Mike Teske and others, we have been able to make use of an unparalleled treasure trove of period documents and photographs, the bulk of which have never been seen before.”So have they succeeded in making this work “different”?
The straightforward answer is “Yes.” And here is why:
The book digs deeply not just into the what and when but the how and why. The key book components arise from the decision by Ford Motor Company to further reduce its motorsport collection which at that time occupied 30 cu ft. After culling it, the remainder ended up in the custody of Mike Teske who plays a key role in the creation of the Mk IV continuation cars and has a co-author credit here; specifically he penned some of the sidebars. In other words, this book can show original primary source material rather than merely an author’s summation or interpretation. Among the gems:
- The 1963 itinerary for the visit to Italy by Ford execs
- “Confidential” negotiations with Ferrari
- The draft press release announcing Ford’s purchase of Ferrari (never sent)
- The ensuing search for a European partner—complete with a “strengths and weaknesses” evaluation of prospective prototype developers
Viewing the actual documents is like using a time machine. A few of the facsimiles are slightly smudged, not surprising as they are carbon copies of originals that were typed over 60 years ago.
The narrative is interspersed with interviews with and mini-biographies of all of the major players. And there are also vignettes of associated topics. Noteworthy: the proposals for a Ford GT44 / 46 (actually the same car) which was to be a road-going evolution of the GT40. It was abandoned at a very early stage of development.
In terms of detail, an example is the analysis of why both GT40s failed during the November 1964 Nassau Speed Week. Was it because the wrong washer was used or was it the right washer but wrongly manufactured? A non-trivial detail as three mechanics were sacked as a result. You will also discover which part of the early GT40 assembly was likened to “putting a condom on an elephant.”
Unsurprisingly given the high demands and (unrealistic) expectations of Ford execs from early on, tensions arose. We get both sides of the story here. Roy Lunn who headed the GT40 project did not see eye to eye with Eric Broadley of Lola, the company Ford had initially selected as their development partner. There was only going to be one winner here.
And later when Ford transferred the primary Le Mans effort to Carroll Shelby, there were three other teams also on the GT40 “payroll”—Holman and Moody, FAV, and subsequently Alan Mann Racing (AMR). Alan Mann had prepared the Ford Falcons that nearly won the Monte Carlo Rally in the early 1960s. He also ran the Shelby Daytona Coupe initiative that won the 1965 World GT Championship. So there was competition for Ford’s continued support. In their respective autobiographies, John Wyer and John Horsman of FAV disparaged/ignored Alan Mann. Mann returns the comments in spades in his own book, where motoring journalist Tony Dron does a demolition job on Horsman in the introduction. How unlike the recent F1 spats between Toto Wolff and Christian Horner …
Trivia aside, the book lives up to its billing. The beginnings, design, construction, testing, racing, and inter-company politics are covered in great detailand with copious new material. As an example, comparison with the John Starkey book on the Lola GT6 shows some overlaps but many photos and documents are new. The page size of 9” x 12″, combined with the usual Porter Press high quality standards results in images that reward detailed scrutiny.
The succeeding two volumes will be by the same authors so time to get saving. As an aside, one does wonder what else besides GT40 material Mike Fiske rescued?
There is no Bibliography but at various points important book sources are referred to in the text. And like Volume 1, there is no Index in the book itself but a PDF index will be offered (available on inquiry). Page numbering continues from Volume 1 which should make the cumulative index that will be part of Vol. 4 less complicated.
Also available in a Collector’s Edition ($1,088) of 100 slipcased copies in leather signed by racing driver David Hobbs; and an Owner’s Edition ($1,632) of 145 slipcased copies in leather signed by racing driver Richard Attwood with the slipcase featuring silver-rimmed eyelets representing the GT40’s ventilated seats (right).
US READERS: the publisher advises that books are now in stock in the US thus eliminating tariff/fee surprises. Place your order direcly with Porter Press UK.
Copyright 2026, Paul Lea (speedreaders.info)
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This looks fantastic – I’ve always been fascinated by the GT40’s story. It’s great to see such detailed research finally brought to light.