Who actually won in Ford vs Ferrari?
The 2019 film "Ford vs Ferrari" dramatized the intense rivalry between the Ford Motor Company and Ferrari in the 1960s, culminating in the 24 Hours of Le Mans race. While the movie portrayed the victory of the Ford GT40 over Ferrari, the actual outcome of the race was more complex and controversial.
The Real-Life Ford vs Ferrari Rivalry
In the early 1960s, Ford sought to challenge Ferrari's dominance in endurance racing, particularly the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans. After failed attempts to acquire Ferrari, Ford decided to build its own high-performance race car, the GT40, to compete directly with the Italian automaker. The rivalry between the two companies was fierce, with both sides determined to emerge victorious at Le Mans.
The 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans
The 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans race was the culmination of the Ford-Ferrari rivalry. Ford entered a team of four GT40 cars, while Ferrari brought its latest models to defend its title. The race was a closely contested affair, with the lead changing hands multiple times between the two manufacturers.
The Controversial Finish
As the race neared its conclusion, the leading Ford GT40 driven by Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon was forced to make a pit stop due to a faulty gearbox. This allowed the Ferrari 330 P3 of Ludovico Scarfiotti and Mike Parkes to take the lead. However, the Ferrari also experienced mechanical issues, and the second-place Ford GT40 of Ken Miles and Denny Hulme was able to catch up and overtake the Ferrari in the final laps.
The victory for the Ford GT40 was not without controversy, however. Some observers believed that the Ford team had deliberately slowed down the leading car to allow the second-place car to catch up and win, a tactic known as "team orders." This was seen by some as a betrayal of the spirit of the race, where individual drivers and cars were supposed to compete on their own merits.
The Aftermath and Legacy
Despite the controversy, the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans race was a landmark victory for Ford, ending Ferrari's dominance in endurance racing. The Ford GT40 would go on to win the race for the next three consecutive years, cementing its place in motorsport history.
The rivalry between Ford and Ferrari, as depicted in the film "Ford vs Ferrari," continues to captivate motorsport enthusiasts and historians alike. The 1966 Le Mans race remains a subject of debate, with differing opinions on the legitimacy of Ford's victory. Nonetheless, the event stands as a testament to the intense competition and high stakes that defined the golden era of endurance racing.
How did Carroll Shelby feel about Ken Miles' death?
A lasting legacy – "Since his death, there's not a day in my life that I don't think of Ken Miles. I hope someday we get around to setting up a foundation in Ken's name that helps the things he was so vitally interested in: American Indians and young people trying to break into racing.
Is Peter Miles still alive?
Peter Miles (29 August 1928 – 26 February 2018) was an English actor.
Did Ford really cross the line together?
During the final lap, the three Ford cars rode in tandem with Miles and McLaren crossing the finish line in a dead heat with Hutcherson close behind in 3rd place.
Why did Miles not win Le Mans?
Excerpted from UK Racing History
Although obediently staged by the drivers, history records that the finish wasn't a dead heat because the #1 Miles/Hulme car was two spots ahead of the #2 McLaren/Amon car on the grid, therefore car #2 had technically traveled further in the 24 hours, and was declared the winner.
How much is a 1966 Ford GT worth?
How much is a 1966 Ford GT40 Mk I worth? The value of a 1966 Ford GT40 Mk I can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $5,050,000 for a 1966 Ford GT40 Mk I in good condition with average spec.
What happened to the GT40 that won Le Mans?
Chassis P/1046 was passed through multiple owners who restored the vehicle, but the most notable was when it was bought by Rob Kauffman, owner of RK Motors, in 2014. After an extensive 4,000+ hours of restoration with Rare Drive in New Hampshire, the original winning GT40 was restored back to its race-ready state.
Did Ken Miles actually win 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. Through his work for Carroll Shelby, Miles got involved in Ford's GT racing program.
Who wins at the end of Ford vs Ferrari?
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.
Did Ford actually beat Ferrari?
Bruce McLaren, Henry Ford II and Chris Amon at the 24 Hours of Le Mans Race, June 1966. Ford Motor Company launched its effort to beat Ferrari at Le Mans in 1964. After two disappointing years when Fords failed even to finish the race, 1966 brought a thrilling 1-2-3 sweep for the American automaker.
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.
