Ford Factory Formula 1 Engines (1963-1966)
Founder: Henry Ford (1863-1947)
Nation: United States
First GP: 1963 United States GP
Last GP: 1966 Mexican GP
Best Result: 5th (1966 British GP)
Best Grid Position: 10th (1966 Dutch GP)
World Championship Record
1963 Season
Entries: 1 (US GP only)
Best Finish: 7th (Jim Hall)
Car: Lotus 24-Ford
1964 Season
Entries: 2 (US, Mexico GPs)
Best Finish: 10th (Walt Hansgen)
Notable: First Mexican GP entry
1965 Season
Entries: 3 (US, Mexico, South Africa GPs)
Best Finish: 8th (Paul Hawkins)
1966 Season
Entries: 1 (Mexico GP)
Best Finish: 5th (Bruce McLaren)
Points: 2 (Constructors’ 9th)
Technical Specifications
Ford 109E (1963-1965)
Type: Inline-4
Displacement: 1,496 cm³
Power: ≈100 hp @ 7,500 rpm
Weight: ≈140 kg
Teams: Brabham, Lotus, Cooper, Stebro
Ford 406 (1966)
Type: V8
Displacement: 2,994 cm³
Power: 315 hp @ 9,600 rpm
Configuration: 90° V-angle
Teams: McLaren (M2B)
Notable Drivers
Historical Context
American Challenge
Ford’s first attempt to compete against dominant European manufacturers
Technical Limitations
109E engine was underpowered compared to Ferrari and BRM V8s
1966 Rule Changes
- New 3.0L formula prompted development of Ford 406 V8
- Bruce McLaren scored Ford’s first points at Brands Hatch
- Engine proved unreliable with only 1 finish from 4 starts
Legacy & Aftermath
Cosworth Foundation
Ford’s F1 experience led to funding the legendary DFV project
Technical Transfer
V8 development knowledge used in Ford’s Can-Am and Le Mans programs
“The Ford V8 had potential but arrived too late. By 1966, we were already focused on the DFV project that would change everything.” – Walter Hayes, Ford PR Director
Why It Ended
Limited Success
Only 2 points scored in 4 seasons against factory Ferrari/BRM
Strategic Shift
Resources redirected to Cosworth DFV program for 1967
Corporate Focus
Ford prioritized production-based racing (NASCAR, Le Mans)
Final Race: 1966 Mexican GP
Driver: Bruce McLaren
Car: McLaren M2B-Ford
Result: Retired (Engine failure)
Notable: Last factory Ford F1 entry until 2000
