Here’s a little-known story in Ford racing history, in the USA anyway: the 1970 Ford GT70. This original factory film details the fascinating Ford of Britain program.
Although it never quite took flight as intended, the Ford GT70 was for Ford UK a natural progression of the legendary Ford GT40 program, but designed for international rally competition rather than endurance sports racing. The 70 in the name came from the year the project was launched, 1970, while the crisp styling was created by Ercole Spada of Alfa Romeo and BMW fame. The mid-engine, rear-drive chassis was laid out by Ford GT engineer Len Bailey and housed several different engines, including the Ford Cologne 2.6-liter V6 and the Ford-based Cosworth BDA 1.6-liter four.
Ambitious plans were laid out for the lightweight fiberglass GT, but the proposed production run of 500 road versions never became a reality, and just five of the six planned prototypes were completed. Ford’s Escort sedan-based rally car was successful enough on its own that the exotic GT70 was never called up for active duty. As for the rest of the story, we’ll let the principals involved tell it, including Bailey, Ford racing manager Stuart Turner, and ace Ford rally driver Roger Clark. Thanks to Ford UK and the National Motor Museum for preserving this excellent film.
What a shame Ford didn’t produce it. Like a Lotus Europa but capable of supporting human life inside. Imagine what a collector car this would be today.
Thank you for this. I’ve never heard about this car. I read the intro thought the film would be about the P68, a car that I can never remember the name of. That one, designed by the same group, was intended as a direct replacement to the GT40 and was a dismal failure.
The GT70 probably would not have been exported, or would have such low production that I’d not be able to afford one, but it’s something I would have enjoyed immensely. At least we got the Capri, which was a fine European Ford itself.
In a way, it reminds me of a Ford Probe.
I chuckled at the head light doors flopping up and down.
In 1971, Ghia did the GT70 Ghia concept. It was gorgeous. Pity it never made production.