Who actually won in Ford vs Ferrari?
The epic rivalry between Ford and Ferrari reached its climax at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans, a race that has since become legendary in the world of motorsports. This showdown was not just about cars but also about pride, innovation, and the determination of two automotive giants. But who truly emerged victorious in this historic battle?
The Background of the Rivalry
In the early 1960s, Ford sought to boost its image by entering the world of endurance racing. After a failed attempt to purchase Ferrari, Ford decided to build its own race car to challenge Ferrari's dominance at Le Mans. This led to the creation of the Ford GT40, a car designed specifically to dethrone Ferrari, which had won Le Mans six consecutive times from 1960 to 1965.
The 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans
The 1966 race was a turning point in the Ford vs. Ferrari saga. Ford entered the race with a fleet of GT40s, while Ferrari fielded its 330 P3s. The race was grueling, with mechanical failures and driver fatigue testing the limits of both teams. In the end, Ford achieved a historic victory, but the story doesn't end there.
Ford's Controversial Finish
Ford's victory at Le Mans in 1966 was not without controversy. The company orchestrated a photo finish, with its top three cars crossing the finish line together to emphasize their dominance. However, this decision led to confusion about the actual winner. While Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon in the #2 GT40 were declared the winners, Ken Miles and Denny Hulme in the #1 GT40 were initially leading and could have won outright. The decision to stage the photo finish cost Miles the victory, leaving a bittersweet taste in Ford's triumph.
The Legacy of the Rivalry
Ford's victory at Le Mans marked the beginning of a new era in endurance racing. The GT40 went on to win Le Mans three more times, cementing Ford's place in racing history. Meanwhile, Ferrari continued to innovate and compete, maintaining its reputation as a powerhouse in motorsports. The rivalry between Ford and Ferrari remains one of the most compelling stories in automotive history, inspiring books, documentaries, and even the 2019 film "Ford v Ferrari."
Conclusion
So, who actually won in Ford vs. Ferrari? While Ford claimed victory on the track in 1966, the true winner depends on your perspective. Ford proved its engineering prowess and achieved its goal of defeating Ferrari, but Ferrari's legacy as a symbol of passion and craftsmanship remains untarnished. Ultimately, the real winners are the fans, who continue to be captivated by this legendary rivalry.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Is Peter Miles still alive?
Peter Miles (29 August 1928 – 26 February 2018) was an English actor.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
