In this Article we talk about The Mustang Indy Pace Car: Powered by a GT40 Engine. The iconic 1964.5 Ford Mustang holds a unique place in automotive history, but few people know about the version that paced the 1964 Indianapolis 500 with a powerhouse engine borrowed from the Ford GT40 race car. In this article, we delve deep into the creation of this special Mustang and its place in both racing and automotive history.
Introduction
In the realm of muscle cars and automotive icons, the Ford Mustang stands tall. However, there’s a lesser-known chapter in its early days that involves the prestigious Indianapolis 500. In 1964, the newly launched Mustang wasn’t just a pretty face; it was reengineered to pace one of the most famous races in the world. How did it accomplish this? By borrowing the heart of a GT40 race car. This is the fascinating story of how the 1964.5 Ford Mustang became a powerful Indy pace car, showcasing innovation and speed.
The Mustang Indy Pace Car: Powered by a GT40 Engine
You may have heard the term “Indy pace car” before, but what exactly does it mean? At its core, a pace car is used to lead racers during warm-up laps, ensuring they maintain a safe speed before the race begins. The 1964.5 Ford Mustang wasn’t initially built to meet the high-speed requirements of the Indianapolis 500. The stock V-8 engine just couldn’t cut it. So, Ford turned to an unlikely source for help—the GT40 race car.
Why Was the Original Mustang Chosen to Be a Pace Car?
Ford’s decision to feature the Mustang as the pace car for the 1964 Indy 500 wasn’t just a marketing ploy. The Mustang had just launched in April of that year, and Ford wanted to showcase it on one of the world’s biggest automotive stages. However, the stock version wasn’t capable of meeting the 140 mph speed requirement for a pace car. Something needed to be done, and quickly.
The Challenge of Speed
The 1964.5 Mustang came equipped with a 260 cubic-inch V-8 engine that produced 164 horsepower—decent for its time, but not enough for the demands of the Indy 500. The car needed to hit speeds upwards of 140 mph, something the stock V-8 simply couldn’t do. Enter the GT40’s 289 cubic-inch V-8 engine, a powerplant known for its success in endurance racing.
Modifying the Mustang for Indy
When it became clear that the stock Mustang wasn’t fast enough to pace the field, Ford executives decided to take action. The solution was to outfit three early-production 1964.5 Mustangs with the powerful GT40 engine. This wasn’t just a simple engine swap, though—several other modifications were required to make the Mustang Indy-ready.
The Engineering Team Behind the Transformation
Ford enlisted the help of Holman-Moody, a race car engineering company in North Carolina, to make the necessary modifications. They replaced the stock engine with a detuned version of the GT40’s 289 cubic-inch V-8, which produced 450 horsepower. This engine had been designed for endurance racing, and while it was slightly dialed back for the pace car, it still provided an extraordinary boost in power.
Upgrading the Transmission for Maximum Performance
The extra power from the GT40 engine meant that the Mustang needed a more robust transmission to handle the torque. A custom-built manual transmission was installed to ensure the car could handle the increased horsepower and perform reliably at high speeds.
The Mustang’s Performance at the 1964 Indianapolis 500
The upgraded Mustang met all of the Indy pace car requirements and performed admirably during the 1964 race. In fact, it more than lived up to the expectations, solidifying its place in racing history.
What Set the Mustang Apart from Other Pace Cars?
One key factor that distinguished the Mustang from other pace cars was its blend of style and performance. While the car’s exterior looked like a typical early-production Mustang convertible, the roar of the GT40 engine told a different story. It was a perfect blend of elegance and raw power, making it an unforgettable pace car.
The Aftermath
After pacing the Indianapolis 500, the Mustang’s role as an American icon took on an entirely new dimension. While it was already gaining attention for its sleek design and affordability, its newfound association with high-speed racing created a buzz that made the car irresistible to speed enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike. The connection with the GT40 engine in the pace car cemented the Mustang’s reputation for performance.
One Mustang Stands the Test of Time
Of the three Mustangs that were modified for the 1964 Indy 500, only one remains today. Bill Ford, the Executive Chairman of Ford Motor Company and great-grandson of Henry Ford, proudly showcased the car on Jay Leno’s Garage. The car, which remains in excellent condition, not only serves as a piece of automotive history but also a symbol of Ford’s innovation and commitment to speed.
The Story Behind Bill Ford’s Mustang and Jay Leno’s Test Drive
When Bill Ford brought the Mustang pace car to Jay Leno’s Garage, it gave fans a rare opportunity to see and hear this legendary car in action. Leno, an avid car enthusiast, couldn’t hide his excitement when he fired up the engine and heard that unmistakable GT40 rumble. The two men took the car for a spin, not just around the streets of California but also around an active airport, allowing the Mustang to stretch its legs, just like it did at the Indy 500.
Why Did Ford Use a Detuned Version of the GT40 Engine?
You might be wondering, why detune a powerful race car engine like the GT40’s? The answer lies in the nature of pace cars. Unlike race cars, pace cars aren’t meant to compete; they are meant to maintain controlled, consistent speeds that keep the race participants safe. The engine was detuned from its full racing capacity to offer just the right balance of power and reliability, ensuring it could pace the field without pushing the limits of its performance.
Engineering Behind the Scenes
The Ford GT40 was a legendary race car, specifically built to dominate endurance racing, and its engine was key to that success. The GT40’s 289 cubic-inch V-8 engine had already proven itself on the racetrack, making it the perfect candidate to boost the Mustang’s performance.
Why the GT40 Engine Was a Game Changer for the Mustang
The GT40 engine was not only about horsepower; it was about engineering excellence. Designed to endure the grueling demands of long-distance racing, this engine had the durability and power to take the Mustang to a whole new level. While the standard Mustang of 1964 came with a 164-horsepower engine, the GT40 engine gave the pace car a stunning 450 horsepower. That’s nearly three times the stock power—a significant leap that ensured the Mustang could meet the Indy 500’s rigorous speed requirements.
More Than Just a Pretty Face
The success of the Mustang pace car at the 1964 Indy 500 did more than just boost the car’s credibility. It influenced Ford’s future racing and performance strategies, leading to the creation of some of the brand’s most iconic muscle cars.
How Did the Mustang’s Success at Indy Impact Future Models?
The early Mustang pace car paved the way for high-performance models like the Shelby GT350, Boss 302, and Mach 1, all of which became synonymous with speed and power. Ford recognized the potential of performance Mustangs, and the success of the Indy pace car became a critical part of the Mustang’s identity as more than just a stylish car—it was now a racing legend.
The Sound of Power
It’s not just the power of the GT40 engine that stands out; it’s also the sound. Anyone familiar with classic race cars will instantly recognize the deep, throaty growl of the GT40 V-8 engine. This distinctive sound is part of what made the Mustang pace car so special. Even today, revving up the engine is enough to send chills down any car enthusiast’s spine.
What Made the GT40 Engine Sound Unique?
The engine’s exhaust system, combined with the V-8’s high-revving capabilities, produced a symphony of raw power. Unlike modern cars that have quieter, more refined engine sounds, the GT40 engine let you know it was ready for action. This unique sound, coupled with the car’s sleek design, made the Mustang a crowd favorite at Indy and continues to captivate car lovers around the world today.
The original Ford Mustang Indy Pace Car with a GT40 race engine was more than just a special edition—it was a turning point in automotive history. It demonstrated that the Mustang wasn’t just a stylish car for the masses; it was a powerful machine capable of leading the pack at one of the world’s most prestigious races. With its high-performance modifications and the iconic GT40 engine, this pace car remains a symbol of innovation and speed that continues to inspire car enthusiasts around the globe.
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FAQs:
Why did Ford use the GT40 engine in the pace car?
Ford needed the Mustang to meet the Indy 500’s 140 mph speed requirement, something the stock V-8 couldn’t achieve. The solution was to use a detuned version of the GT40’s 289 cubic-inch race engine, giving the Mustang the power it needed to pace the race.
How many original 1964.5 Mustang pace cars were built?
Ford modified three Mustangs for the 1964 Indianapolis 500. However, only one of these cars still exists today, making it an incredibly rare and valuable piece of automotive history.
What is the significance of the GT40 engine?
The GT40 engine was one of the most successful endurance racing engines of its time, powering the Ford GT40 to multiple wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Its high-revving V-8 configuration and durability made it a perfect candidate for the Mustang pace car.
How did the Mustang pace car influence future Ford models?
The success of the Mustang pace car at the Indy 500 helped cement the Mustang’s reputation as a performance vehicle. This led to the development of more high-performance models, such as the Shelby GT350 and the Mach 1, solidifying the Mustang’s place in muscle car history.