Remarkable Racers: The Ten Best American Race Cars

September 3, 2018

Around the world, if you bring up American race cars, there’s a certain amount of snobbery that you can expect to be on the receiving end of. To many people, American racing is encapsulated by NASCAR, which to the uninitiated, is often believed to be a dull disciple of simply driving in a circle. The intricacies that are more well known on this side of the pond are less so in Europe or Asia, and, as such, American racers are often looked down upon. In this article, we’re going to try and do American race cars justice. They’ve had a long and successful history at competitions around the globe. We’re going to give them the recognition they deserve.

Ford GT40

Debut Year: 1964

When you’re talking about American-made automotive legends, the first stop has to be the Ford GT40. This car took the design of the British Lola Mk6 and ran with it. Among its many honors are the famous 1-2-3 win of the 1966 Le Mans 24 Hours, which broke a dry spell American manufacturers had been suffering under in European races for 45 years. The four drivers who helped secure first and second place for Shelby American included the late, great, Bruce McLaren, whose name survives in the McLaren racing team and the fabulously fast McLaren F1.

Powered by a 427 V8, the GT40 made use of aluminum and fiberglass to keep its weight down, and boy, was it quick. The car averaged over 130 mph throughout the track at Le Mans, which would increase to 135 mph in 1967, when driven by Dan Gurney and A.J. Foyt. While its Le Mans wins are its most famous accolade, the GT40 also won four FIA titles. It established that American race cars were here to stay, and could take on the European manufacturers in their own backyard and win.

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