Detroit. In my continuing series, these racing machines can be testaments to brilliant, visionary thinking, or they can be ideas that never panned out. They can be magnificent beasts that ruled the day, or they can be evil handling failures that slunk away into motorsports history. But many of the machines that have been raced over the decades brought something significant to the sport, and even more important, etched into our memories a time and a place that will never be forgotten. Anyone who has grown up in and around the sport has developed a list of favorite racing cars from the time they were kids. It usually started along the way with favorite model building kits or slot car sets, but we all developed our favorites, which we've all added to over the years. I am no exception. As a matter of fact, my list is extensive and at times convoluted. But by no means is it meant to be some sort of be-all and end-all. They're just significant to me. 

(Photo by Dave Friedman)
Riverside International Raceway, October 1967. Mario Andretti in the No. 17 Holman & Moody Honker II Ford during practice for the Can-Am. Mario described it on many occasions as the worst car he had ever driven. He qualified fifth for the race, more than two seconds off of Dan Gurney's pole time in the No. 36 All American Racers Lola T70 Mk3B Weslake-Ford. Bruce McLaren (No. 4 McLaren M6A Chevrolet) won that weekend; Mario didn't finish.
Idewild Airport (now JFK International AIrport), New York, April 1964. The Ford GT40 in its original form - painted in the United States international racing colors of blue and white - was beautiful in its clean, uncluttered simplicity. Built by Eric Broadley and based on his Lola Mk6 GT, the Ford GT40 was flown to Idewild Airport so that Ford executives could unveil the machine to the media - in conjunction with the introduction of the brand new Mustang - at the New York World's Fair. It was the first time that Ford executives got to see the machine in person, before approving its entry for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The car was re-loaded immediately after the press conference so it could be flown back to England, where racing preparation could continue. The simple, uncluttered form of the Ford GT40 didn't last, because though the car was blistering fast on the Mulsanne straight, it was viciously unstable, and subsequent versions of the GT40 grew aero appendages front and back to make it more race-worthy. It was succeeded by the Ford Mk II, which was an entirely different - and much improved - machine.
Sebring, Florida, March 1967. Bruce McLaren and Mario Andretti with the No. 1 Ford Mk IV in a PR photo before the 12 Hours of Sebring. The dynamic duo dominated the race, winning by twelve laps. The Ford Mk IV started out as the Ford "J-car," which suffered many setbacks during its development program, including the death of Ken Miles, who lost his life testing a J-car prototype at Riverside International Raceway in August 1966. The Ford Mk IV was entered in only two races: the 1967 12 Hours of Sebring and the 1967 24 Hours of Le Mans. It won both races, with the memorable victory at Le Mans by Dan Gurney and A.J. Foyt being its crowning achievement. The Ford Mk IV never raced again.
(Photo by Dave Friedman)
Sebring, Florida, March 21, 1964. Ken Miles in the No. 1 Shelby American 427 Cobra Prototype during the 12 Hours of Sebring. Ken and co-driver John Morton started last in the field after Miles had a major wreck during practice. The No. 1 427 Cobra suffered a blown engine and didn't finish. The 427 Cobra prototype was Shelby American's response to the Corvette Grand Sport. It was blistering fast - at least for a while - and it paved the way for the 427 S/C racing Cobra that terrorized the SCCA "A" Production class for years, that is until Tony DeLorenzo and his team of Owens/Corning Fiberglas-sponsored L88 Corvettes changed the game.
Le Circuit Mont-Tremblant-St. Jovite, Canada, September 1966. Dan Gurney (No. 30 All American Racers Lola T70 Mk.2 Weslake Ford) and John Surtees (No. 3 Team Surtees Ltd. Lola T70 Mk.2 Chevrolet) prepare to go out for Can-Am practice. Surtees and Bruce McLaren (No. 4 McLaren Elva Mark II B Oldsmobile) engaged in a torrid late-race duel for the win, with Surtees prevailing. Chris Amon (No. 5 McLaren Elva Mark II Oldsmobile) finished third. Gurney did not make the start due to a blown engine in practice.
Le Mans, France, June 19, 1965. Bruce McLaren in the No. 1 Shelby American Ford GT40 Mk II that he shared with Ken Miles. Note how the original elegance of the GT40 succumbed to the rigors of aerodynamics with the air dam, fender trim tabs and rear stabilizing fins. The No. 1 machine lasted 45 laps before encountering gearbox issues, resulting in a DNF. The next year would be decidedly different, however.