Ford’s team, led by Carroll Shelby and Ken Miles, began developing a revolutionary new car, the Ford GT40. Designed specifically to compete against Ferrari’s iconic 250 GTO, the GT40 was a behemoth of a machine, powered by a 427 cubic-inch V8 engine and featuring a sleek, aerodynamic design.
In the world of motorsports, few rivalries are as iconic as the one between Ford and Ferrari. The two automotive giants clashed in one of the most epic battles in racing history - the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans. This legendary event, known as “La Grande Sfida” or “The Great Challenge,” would go down in history as a testament to innovation, perseverance, and the unrelenting pursuit of victory.
As the hours ticked by, the battle between Ford and Ferrari intensified. The Ferraris, plagued by mechanical issues and tire wear, began to falter, while the Ford GT40s continued to push the pace. However, disaster struck for Ford when a faulty fuel system forced Ken Miles to pit for repairs.
The Ford v Ferrari rivalry at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans was more than just a racing event - it was a clash of titans, a battle for supremacy that would be remembered for generations to come. The legendary
In the early 1960s, Ferrari was the undisputed king of endurance racing. The Italian marque had dominated the 24 Hours of Le Mans, winning the prestigious event multiple times. Ford, on the other hand, was eager to make a name for itself in the world of motorsports. In 1963, Henry Ford II, the grandson of the founder of the Ford Motor Company, set his sights on dethroning Ferrari at Le Mans.
In an incredible display of driving skill and bravery, Ken Miles pushed the GT/40 #2 to its limits, crossing the finish line just 0.036 seconds ahead of the Ferrari 250 LM. The crowd erupted in cheers as the Ford GT40s took the top two spots on the podium, with the GT/40 #3, driven by Lorenzo Bandini, completing the podium.