Ford's Racing History: From the GT40 to the Mustang GTD

Ford's racing history runs from Le Mans wins in the 1960s to Formula 1 engines, British touring cars and world rallying. That motorsport work fed directly into the fast road cars many drivers still love, from the Escort RS to the Focus RS and the Mustang GTD.

What are Fast Fords?

"Fast Ford" is the nickname for Ford's performance road cars, many of them developed alongside its racing and rally programmes. Well-known examples include:

• Escort RS1600 and RS Cosworth: rally-bred Escorts, the Cosworth famous for its large rear wing

• Sierra RS Cosworth: a turbocharged saloon and hatchback developed for touring car racing

• Focus RS: a hot hatch, with the later version using four-wheel drive

• Fiesta ST: a small, light hot hatch popular with keen drivers

How did Ford win at Le Mans?

In the 1960s Ford set out to beat Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The Ford GT40 won the race four years running, from 1966 to 1969. Ford returned with the modern Ford GT and won its class in 2016, fifty years after the first victory. The story was told in the film Ford v Ferrari.

What part did Ford play in Formula 1?

Ford's biggest Formula 1 success came through the Cosworth DFV engine, which it funded. The DFV powered cars from many teams, including Lotus, McLaren and Williams, and won more than 150 Grands Prix. Ford has returned to Formula 1 through a partnership with Red Bull on power units from 2026.

What about touring cars and rallying?

Touring car racing and rallying have been central to Ford's motorsport story in Britain and Europe. The Sierra RS500 Cosworth was a front-runner in touring cars in the late 1980s, and Ford's Escort, Focus and Fiesta rally cars competed at the top level of the World Rally Championship.

What is the Mustang GTD?

The Mustang GTD is a road-legal, track-focused Mustang developed alongside Ford's GT3 racing programme. It uses a supercharged 5.2-litre V8 and adds carbon-fibre bodywork, active aerodynamics and a rear-mounted gearbox for better weight balance. It is built to compete with the fastest European track cars.

Common questions

Are older Fast Fords a good buy?

They can be, but prices for well-known models have risen and many have been modified or driven hard. Check the history carefully and have an older car inspected before you buy. Our guide to buying a classic car covers the checks, tax and MOT rules.

Is the Focus RS still made?

No. The last Focus RS was built in 2018.

What should I check on a used performance car?

Look for a full service history, signs of track use or modifications, tyre and brake wear, and any warning lights. Our guide to checking a car's history explains the paperwork checks.

Looking for your next car?

Browse the cars we have in stock or call our sales team in Barnsley on 01226 574410.

Updated October 2026.