Top 5 Racing Cars of The Past

Car racing is the ultimate display of engineering and driving dynamics. It is a test of man and machine on the aspects of speed, acceleration, aerodynamics and endurance skills. The earliest racing cars were built with what we now know as simplest of the technologies, but which were revolutionary then. As the engineers and designers learned from mistakes, cars got racier and leaner. Some great racing cars owe their existence to some innovation.

Ford GT40

When Ford lost its bid to buyout Ferrari at the last moment in early 60’s, it vowed to set a greater example than the Italian sports car company. Ford set out to make its own sports car. The company came up with the stunning Ford GT40. Ford and Ferrari fought hard to win events since it was launched in 1966. The GT40 won Le Mans in 1966 as well 67, 68 and 1969. The Ford GT40 endurance racer was the first car to exceed 200 mph speed. They defeated Ferrari’s at several events. By winning Le Mans and several other racing events, Ford demonstrated that the traditional V8 engine typical to American cars was sufficient to compete in world racing events.

Matra Simca MS670

When Le Mans that was essentially, a French event was dominated by other European, a lone French sports car company announced its desire to win the 1969 Formula one and Le Mans, ahead of the race. As FIA had changed rules to allow every sports car to receive only 3 litre prototype engine, Matra’s option were limited. Matra fitted the Simca with V12 engine with 60 degree block angle, twin overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinders which demonstrated high level of build standards. The car however faced a disappointing run in 1969. The company refined it to give it more boost. The new car for 1970 was called the MS670 which sported a barchetta body and a rear wing. This car won convincingly at the Le Mans in 1970. It grabbed the imagination of sports car enthusiasts and was named one of the greatest win.

Jaguar XJR-12

Jaguar has had a long history of racing. It won the Le Mans for 7 consecutive times with the last one being in 1990. It was also the last British car to win the Le Mans. The XJR-12 was installed with the same aspirated V12 engine that was fitted in XJR-9. The FIA rules were relaxed and the sports were allowed to have engine with any capacity and any number of cylinders but had to weigh a minimum weight of 1000 kgs, The XJR-12 embodied smart looks and performance. The team of four Jaguars raced at the 1990 event. They were ahead of the Porsches and Nissans. At the finishing line two Jaguars grabbed the second the third position at the racing. It demonstrated that endurance of the sports car in toughest conditions like the Le Mans which is a 24 hours event.

Ferrari 250

This Ferrari Grand Touring car was the most beautiful car ever driven on racing circuits. The GTO was designed in such a manner that it had gained the perfect balance and aerodynamic abilities.  It was called the ballet dancer of motor racing, by racing enthusiasts. In its very first race, the 250 GT won the Mille Miglia event in 1952 and also gave its best performance at the Le Mans. The GTO was termed as the the top dog in racing. It went to win many races till 1964, untill  it was relegated to behind lines by the Daytona Coupe.

Porsche 956

The 956 is a remarkable Porsche sports cars holding some phenomenal record in motorsports. It was created after the FIA brought in new rules in 1982, allowing participants a limited amount of fuel per car per race. The 956 was given a turbocharged aluminum flat six engine and a new aluminum monocoque construction, which was new development in racing cars then. It gained superb aerodynamics which gave it its seductive looks. Due to the technology 956 generated over three times more downforce than Porsche 917. There was a remarkable change was in the fuel economy too as it got a 2.7 litre engine producing 620 bhp power. The 956 enjoyed four consecutive victories at the Le Mans 24 from 1982 to 1986.