The V8 is an engine that, in its own way, helped America start its own industrial revolution. These engines were dependable, easy to fix and since there were so many of them around, relatively affordable to produce and purchase. They powered everything from trucks to sedans and sports cars, and even one of the world’s first supercars – the Ford GT40, built between 1964 and 1969.
In the video after the jump, we have a Mk I example, powered by a 4.7-liter V8. This isn’t the later Mk II model, which had a 7.0-liter V8, but make no mistake; this smaller lump has no trouble getting the very light and very slippery GT40 around with ease.
However, as is the case with many older V8 engines, it’s the sound that really makes an impression. This particular car, along with this Panamera Racer sound really badass, if you don’t mind me saying so…
The GT40s were built with one purpose in mind – to beat Ferrari at Le Mans, but in order to have the car homologated and make it comply with the racing regulations of the time, they had to build a few for road use – a total of 107 units were manufactured by 1969.
By Andrei Nedelea
VIDEO