Prominent venture capitalist and early Tesla investor Steve Jurvetson has publicly floated the concept of an electric Ford GT40, powered by a Tesla drivetrain, with the ambition of surpassing the original car's performance. The idea, shared on social media, draws inspiration from the legendary Ford GT40's historic victory over Ferrari at Le Mans in 1966. Jurvetson's vision combines automotive heritage with cutting-edge electric vehicle technology.
"Ford v. Ferrari v. Tesla The boys’ GT40 slot car inspired me — the legendary race car that finally beat Ferrari at Le Mans in ’66. It’s 40” tall with a bubble roof to fit a helmet. What if we made an electric version with a Tesla drive train… faster than the original...," Jurvetson stated in his tweet, sparking considerable interest.
The original Ford GT40 earned its iconic status by clinching four consecutive victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans from 1966 to 1969, notably ending Ferrari's dominance. Its name, "GT40," famously refers to its Grand Touring capabilities and its distinctive 40-inch height. This engineering marvel symbolized American automotive prowess and remains a cherished piece of racing history.
Jurvetson, a co-founder and managing director of Future Ventures, brings significant credibility to such a discussion, given his long-standing involvement with disruptive technologies and his role as an early investor and former board member of Tesla. His insights often reflect future trends in high-tech and automotive sectors. The integration of a Tesla drivetrain into a classic chassis suggests a focus on extreme performance, leveraging the electric powertrain's instant torque and high horsepower capabilities.
The concept aligns with a growing trend in the automotive world where classic cars are being converted to electric power. Specialized companies are now offering high-performance electric conversions for iconic vintage models, often resulting in vehicles that outperform their original combustion-engine counterparts. These modern electric powertrains provide not only enhanced speed and acceleration but also a more sustainable driving experience, marrying classic aesthetics with contemporary engineering.
