Ford’s Racing History: From Fast Fords to the Mustang GTD | anycolourcar.com

Explore Ford’s rich motorsport legacy – from Le Mans and Formula 1 to Fast Fords and the all-new Mustang GTD. Discover performance cars in Barnsley with anycolourcar.com.

Introduction: The Mustang GTD – A New Chapter in Ford Performance

Ford has done it again. The 2025 Mustang GTD isn’t just another muscle car – it’s a road-legal track monster inspired by the Mustang GT3 race car. Designed to conquer Europe’s toughest circuits, including the Nürburgring, the GTD is a bold statement from Ford Performance that the Blue Oval's racing DNA is alive and well.

But the GTD is more than a standalone halo car – it’s the latest expression of Ford’s proud motorsport lineage that stretches across Le Mans, Formula 1, rally stages, touring car circuits, and right down to the streets of Barnsley.

Let’s take a closer look at the racing roots that make the Mustang GTD possible – and how Ford has always brought race-bred performance to everyday drivers.

Fast Fords: Performance for the People

Ask any enthusiast in South Yorkshire to name a true driver’s car, and chances are they’ll mention a Fast Ford. From the legendary Escort RS1600 to the iconic Sierra RS Cosworth, Ford has a long history of delivering performance models with real motorsport pedigree.

• Escort RS Cosworth: Turbocharged rally-bred icon with a whale-tail wing that defined the 90s.

• Focus RS: AWD, drift mode, and blistering pace in a hatchback – a cult classic.

• Fiesta ST: Small car, huge fun – a track-day favourite for enthusiasts on a budget.

These cars weren’t just fast – they were accessible, giving everyday drivers in towns like Barnsley the chance to own a slice of Ford's racing magic.

Le Mans Glory: The GT40 and the Ferrari Rivalry

Arguably the most legendary chapter in Ford's motorsport story comes from the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In the 1960s, after a failed attempt to buy Ferrari, Ford set out to beat them on the track – and did just that.

• 1966-1969: The Ford GT40 won Le Mans four times in a row, beating Ferrari at their own game.

• 2016: Ford returned with the GT and won its class on the 50th anniversary of its original triumph.

This underdog story, famously depicted in Ford v Ferrari, cemented Ford's status as a serious racing powerhouse – and models like the Mustang GTD carry that same spirit of innovation and rivalry.

Formula 1: The Unsung Engine King

While Ford never operated a full factory F1 team for long, its Cosworth DFV engine was the most dominant power unit in the sport's history.

• 155 Grand Prix wins

• 12 Constructors’ Championships

• Used by icons like Lotus, McLaren, and Williams

Drivers like Ayrton Senna, Nigel Mansell, and Michael Schumacher all drove cars powered by Ford at some point in their careers. Ford’s return to F1 with Red Bull Powertrains (set for 2026) proves that its passion for top-tier motorsport continues.

Touring Cars & Rallying: Ford's British Backbone

In the UK, Touring Car Racing and Rallying were the proving grounds for Ford performance.

• BTCC: The Sierra RS500 Cosworth dominated the late 1980s with brutal speed and balance.

• WRC: The Focus RS WRC and Fiesta WRC carried the Blue Oval to podiums across gravel, snow and tarmac.

These were the cars that graced screens on a Sunday and showrooms on a Monday – and many still grace the roads of South Yorkshire today.

Mustang GTD: Where Muscle Meets Motorsport

So, what makes the Mustang GTD such a big deal?

• Carbon-fibre widebody

• Active aerodynamics with DRS

• Supercharged 5.2-litre V8 with 800+ bhp

• Rear transaxle for perfect weight balance

• Built to run sub-7 minutes at the Nürburgring

This is Ford taking on Europe’s best – Porsche GT3 RS, AMG GT Black Series, and Aston Martin Valkyrie – on their home turf. And it’s all rooted in the same winning formula that built icons like the RS200, GT40, and Sierra Cosworth.

The Future: Electrified Speed and the Next Chapter

Ford is also exploring electric performance:

• The Mustang Mach-E Rally brings EV torque to off-road racing.

• The SuperVan 4 shows off Ford’s wild side with 2,000 bhp in a Transit-shaped shell.

While the RS badge is currently dormant, there’s every chance we’ll see a performance EV lineup inspired by the brand’s racing legacy – and Ford’s Formula 1 partnership with Red Bull may bring hybrid and electric innovation to future road cars.

Final Thoughts: Ford Still Races – and Still Wins

From the GT40 to the Mustang GTD, Ford has always raced to prove a point – and to improve the cars we drive every day. Their story is one of grit, innovation, and accessible speed.

Whether you’re dreaming of a Focus RS or hunting for your next track-day weapon, Ford’s motorsport DNA lives on in cars both past and present – and right here at anycolourcar.com in Barnsley, you can get behind the wheel of something built with that same spirit.

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