Did Ford beat Ferrari in Le Mans?
The legendary rivalry between Ford and Ferrari reached its peak during the 1960s, culminating in a series of dramatic races at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This article delves into the history of this fierce competition, highlighting the key events that led to Ford's triumph over Ferrari in one of the most prestigious endurance races in the world.
The Origins of the Rivalry
The story begins in the early 1960s when Ford sought to enhance its image and boost sales by entering the world of motorsport. After failing to acquire Ferrari, Ford decided to develop its own racing program, leading to the creation of the Ford GT40. Meanwhile, Ferrari was dominating the racing scene, particularly at Le Mans, where they had secured multiple victories.
The 1966 Le Mans Race
The climax of this rivalry occurred during the 1966 Le Mans race. Ford entered a fleet of GT40s, determined to dethrone Ferrari. The race was filled with tension, strategy, and unexpected twists. Here are some key highlights:
- Team Strategy: Ford employed a team strategy that involved multiple cars working together to outpace Ferrari.
- Technical Innovation: The GT40 was a marvel of engineering, featuring a powerful V8 engine and a lightweight design.
- Ferrari's Dominance: Ferrari had won the race for six consecutive years, making them the team to beat.
The Historic Finish
As the race progressed, it became clear that Ford's strategy was paying off. In a dramatic finish, the top three Ford GT40s crossed the finish line in a spectacular formation, with Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon taking the overall victory. This marked a significant turning point in motorsport history, as Ford not only beat Ferrari but also established itself as a formidable competitor in endurance racing.
The Aftermath and Legacy
Ford's victory at Le Mans in 1966 was not just a win; it was a statement. The success of the GT40 led to further developments in racing technology and inspired future generations of automotive engineering. The rivalry between Ford and Ferrari continued for several years, but the 1966 race remains a defining moment in both companies' histories.
In conclusion, yes, Ford did beat Ferrari in Le Mans, and this victory is celebrated as one of the greatest moments in motorsport history. The story of their rivalry continues to captivate car enthusiasts and racing fans alike, symbolizing the relentless pursuit of excellence in automotive performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Peter Miles still alive?
Peter Miles (29 August 1928 – 26 February 2018) was an English actor.
Did Enzo Ferrari really tip his hat to Ken Miles?
At Le Mans, Enzo stays with his pit crew through the entire length of the race note though this is Artistic License – History; in real life, Enzo Ferrari was never at that race and tips his hat for Ken Miles for being a Worthy Opponent.
Why was Ford disqualified from Le Mans?
“During the post-race technical checks, the race stewards officially disqualified the #68 (Ford Chip Ganassi Team USA's Ford GT) and the #85 (Keating Motorsports' Ford GT) for breach of fuel tank capacity regulations,” reads an official ACO statement.
Did Ford win Le Mans against Ferrari?
Three years after being rejected by Ferrari, Ford Motor Company had developed one of the best endurance cars in the world and won on the field of contest. With the LeMans victory, Ford Motor Company won the Manufacturer Championship because of their combined scores.
How many times did Ford ever beat Ferrari?
It took a few years, but with the help of Carol Shelby, Ken Miles and the car they built, the GT40, Ford finally achieved their goal in 1966 and would go on to win the race again, in 1967, '68 and '69. Back to the more-present day, which in this case is 2015.
Is the Ford vs Ferrari story true?
Many details in the Ford vs. Ferrari movie are true and give us a glimpse into the rivalry between Ford and Ferrari back then. Details in the movie include Ford's determination to win the 1966 Le Mans after half a decade of Ferrari dominance.
Did Ken Miles win the 1966 Le Mans?
Miles won the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1966, and he placed second at Le Mans. Miles died in a crash while testing Ford's J-Car later that year. British-born Ken Miles was a gifted race car engineer and driver.
How fast was Ken Miles going when he died?
After almost a day of testing at Riverside International Raceway in the very hot Southern California desert, Miles approached the end of the track's one-mile (1.6 km) downhill back straight at top speed—over 200 miles per hour (320 km/h)—when the car suddenly flipped, crashed, and caught fire.
Did Shelby lose his company to Ford?
The Shelby Parts Company (later renamed to Shelby Autosports) moved to Torrance, and later to the Detroit area. After 1968 Ford took functional control of the Shelby Mustang design and production, moving production in-house for the 1969 model year. After the 1969 racing season Shelby withdrew from competition.
Did all three Fords cross the finish line?
The real life Le Mans '66 ended with a historic finish: Ford trounced the frontrunner Ferrari as all three Ford cars crossed the finish line in a dead heat.
