Ford GT70

Vehicle Overview

The Ford GT70, a competition car produced in a limited run of six units by the American automaker Ford from 1970 to 1973, stands as a testament to the company’s foray into rally racing. Designed by Ercole Spada, the GT70 was manufactured by Ford UK in 1970 specifically for participation in the World Rally Championship. Engineered to compete with rear-engine rally cars like the Porsche 911 S Coupé and the Renault Alpine A110 1600, the GT70 featured a mid/longitudinal-engine layout and rear-wheel drive. Len Bailey, the chief engineer behind the Ford GT40 project, was brought in to assist in designing and developing the body and chassis. The car made its debut at the Brussels Motor Show in 1971, but despite its promising start, the GT70 faced numerous challenges in the rally world. Issues such as insufficient chassis rigidity, a cramped cockpit, and a high center of gravity with the original V6 engine led to limited success. Intended to be a contender in the rallying scene, changes in the regulations of the emerging World Rally Championship and the competitive edge displayed by the contemporaneous Escort RS 1600 led Ford engineers to abandon the project in 1973. The GT70 featured four-wheel independent suspension and was initially designed to accommodate various engine options. The early models were equipped with the 2.6-liter V6 Colonia engine from the Ford Capri RS2600, producing 240 horsepower (179 kW). However, Ford France later replaced the V6 with a Cosworth BDA inline-four engine, reducing weight and lowering the car’s center of gravity. Constructed with a fiberglass body for weight savings, the GT70 rode on 13-inch wheels. Only six units were ever built, each with its own unique history. Despite encountering challenges in various rallies, including engine, suspension, and brake issues, some GT70s left a lasting legacy. One was restored in 2002, featuring a Cosworth BDG 2-liter engine. Another speciment was redesigned by Filippo Sapino at the Ford Design Center Europe in Turin and crafted by the newly acquired Carrozzeria Ghia, debuting as a concept car at the 1971 Turin Motor Show. The car featured alloy wheels from the Ford RS2000. The intricate story of the Ford GT70 showcases the complexity of automotive development and the pursuit of excellence in the world of rally racing.