Introduction: The 1966 Ford GT40 Le Mans was a revolutionary race car that cemented Ford’s place in motorsport history. Ford had been trying to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans since the early 1960s, and the 1966 GT40 was the car that finally helped them do it. The GT40 was a race car that was developed with the help of Lola Cars and powered by a 4.7-liter V8 engine. The 1966 Le Mans race saw the GT40 dominate the competition, with a 1-2-3 finish and a total of four Ford GT40s finishing the race in the top 10. From that moment on, the GT40 Le Mans has been a symbol of Ford’s motorsport success and has been revered by racing enthusiasts all over the world.
History of the Ford GT40 Le Mans
The story of the Ford GT40 Le Mans began in the early 1960s, when Ford began its quest to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Ford had entered the race in 1959, but the team failed to finish due to problems with the car. In 1962, Ford partnered with the British Lola Cars to develop a new race car, the GT40. The car was powered by a 4.7-liter V8 engine and featured a lightweight aluminum chassis. The GT40 made its debut at the 1964 24 Hours of Le Mans and finished in seventh place. In 1965, the car finished in second place, but it was finally in 1966 that Ford achieved its goal of winning the race.
The 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans
The 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans was a milestone in motorsport history. The race saw the Ford GT40 dominate the competition, with a 1-2-3 finish and a total of four Ford GT40s finishing the race in the top 10. The winning car, driven by Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon, completed 327 laps, which was a record at the time. The other two cars, driven by Ken Miles and Denny Hulme, came in second and third place. The success of the 1966 Le Mans race helped cement Ford’s place in motorsport history.
The Legacy of the Ford GT40 Le Mans
The success of the 1966 Le Mans race helped to create a legacy for the Ford GT40. The car has been revered by racing enthusiasts all over the world and has become a symbol of Ford’s motorsport success. The car has been featured in many movies and video games and is still held in high regard by car and racing enthusiasts around the world. Additionally, the car has inspired several modern-day replicas, including the Ford GT.
The 1966 Ford GT40 Today
The 1966 Ford GT40 is still an iconic race car today. The car is highly sought after by collectors and is often seen at classic car shows and auctions. The car is also highly valued by collectors, with some examples fetching millions of dollars at auction. Additionally, the car is still raced in historic racing events, allowing fans to experience the thrill of the 1966 Le Mans race.
The Future of the Ford GT40 Le Mans
The Ford GT40 Le Mans is a timeless classic that will continue to be revered by car and racing enthusiasts for many years to come. The car is a symbol of Ford’s success in motorsport and will continue to be an icon of the racing world. Additionally, the car has inspired many modern-day replicas and will continue to be an inspiration to future generations of racing enthusiasts.
