VIN: the works Ford GT40 Prototype chassis GT 101
History of chassis GT 101
Chassis GT 101 was the first Ford GT40 manufactured and one of twelve prototypes built.
Although the GT40 project got off to a difficult start, the car went on to win the Le Mans 24 Hours on four consecutive occasions between 1966 and 1969.
Equipped with the early 4.2-litre engine and Colotti Tipo 37 gearbox, chassis GT 101 was presented to the press on April 1st 1964. It appeared outside the Heathrow offices of TWA, who then flew it to America for the New York Motor Show held a few days later.
The car returned to England immediately afterwards. Once back in the UK, it was sent to the Motor Industry Research Association test track at Nuneaton (MIRA) where initial shakedown tests took place behind closed doors.
After a busy couple of weeks, chassis GT 101’s next appearance came at the official Le Mans Test held over the weekend of April 18th and 19th. It was driven by Jo Schlesser while a new car (GT 102) was on hand for Roy Salvadori.
Conditions were wet. Schlesser had already complained about high speed instability when, on his eighth lap, he lost control down the Mulsanne Straight at over 150mph. Fortunately, the car neither overturned nor went into the trees and Schlesser emerged with just a minor cut to his face.
At this point, the car’s odometer showed only 465 miles.
Although GT 101 was subsequently written off, many parts were salvaged.
The monocoque may have been repaired and re-numbered.
However, the official story of what happened was never revealed. It therefore remains a mystery as to whether this pioneering vehicle lives on with another identity, or if it was scrapped after only the briefest of careers.
Notable History
Ford Motor Company / Ford Advanced Vehicles
01/04/1964 presented at Heathrow
04-12/04/1964 New York Motor Show
18/04/1964 IND Le Mans Test (J. Schlesser) 12th oa, 6th P3.0+ class (#9)
Written off after Schlesser’s crash at the Le Mans Test
Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: Ford - https://www.ford.com
