Ultimate Ford GT40: Volume 2 Delves Deeper into the Legend

Porter Press is back with a new chapter in its epic journey through GT40 history. Ultimate Ford GT40: Volume 2 continues the deep-dive into one of motorsport’s most revered icons. This car dared to take on Ferrari and triumphed at Le Mans.

This second instalment picks up where Volume 1 left off. It moves from meticulous chassis records to a rich, story-driven account of the GT40’s formative years. Packed with insight, archive material, and stunning photography, Volume 2 is essential reading for classic car lovers, Le Mans enthusiasts, and anyone passionate about racing heritage. And here’s some good news – we’ve secured a 10% discount on any book you purchase form Porter Press (details below).

From Ambition to Asphalt: Ford’s GT40 Strategy Unfolds

Volume 2 explores the roots of the GT40 project, which began with Ford’s failed attempt to buy Ferrari in the early 1960s. That snub famously spurred Ford into building a rival capable of toppling the Italian marque on its home turf – the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

It covers the influence of the Lola Mk6, a key inspiration for the GT40’s design. The creators guide readers through the process of transforming the initial idea into a working prototype and then into early production models. The book also dives into the rigorous testing regime that followed. This was critical to forging the GT40’s race-winning potential.

Building Legends: The People Behind the Project

This volume profiles the people who made it happen. From the engineers and test drivers to the leadership at Ford Advanced Vehicles and Shelby American. The book captures the human side of this extraordinary project.

The authors bring personalities such as Carroll Shelby into focus. They highlight key figures from the Ford and Lola teams. They have unearthed a wealth of new interviews, shedding light on decisions, struggles, and triumphs that were never documented before.

Rare Archives, New Discoveries

Thanks to full cooperation from Ford, Volume 2 reveals many never-before-seen photographs, drawings, and internal reports. These materials don’t just add polish – they add credibility. Much of what we thought we knew about the GT40’s early years is re-examined. In many cases, it is rewritten.

Alongside these visual assets, the book features detailed biographies of those involved in the car’s development and racing campaigns. This helps anchor the story in its era.

On the Track: GT40’s Early Racing Campaigns

Volume 2 covers every race the GT40 entered during 1964 and the first half of 1965. From its shaky début at the Nürburgring 1000Kms to iconic appearances at Le Mans, Daytona, and Sebring. Each event is analysed with fresh detail.

These chapters help paint a picture of a car in evolution – powerful but flawed, fast but fragile. Readers can trace its transformation from a promising project to a serious competitor.

Exceptional Production Quality

At 576 pages and featuring over 1,000 period images and documents, this large-format book is as much a visual journey as it is a technical and historical one. Every page feels considered. Every caption adds context. It’s the kind of publication that rewards both casual browsing and in-depth study.

The Complete GT40 Saga – Volume by Volume

• Volume 1 (Published December 2024): Covers each GT40 built, including photos and chassis records.
• Volume 2 (New Release): Chronicles the origins and early racing life of the GT40, up to Le Mans 1965.
• Volume 3 (Coming Soon): Continues the tale through to the legendary 1-2-3 finish at Le Mans 1966.
• Volume 4: Will complete the story, taking readers from 1966 to the car’s swansong in 1970.

Together, these books offer the most comprehensive, thoroughly researched GT40 chronicle ever produced.

Why Volume 2 Belongs on Your Shelf

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the Ford GT40 story, Ultimate Ford GT40: Volume 2 offers something rare: a combination of original research, unseen archives, and storytelling that brings the past vividly to life. It isn’t just about what the GT40 did – it’s about how it was done, who made it happen, and why it still matters today.

Are you planning to add Volume 2 to your collection?

What draws you most to the GT40’s story – the rivalry with Ferrari, the racing, or the design?
Let us know in the comments – we’d love to hear your thoughts.

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