In 1966, Ford achieved one of the most stunning upsets in motorsport history when their GT40 cars swept the podium at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, ending Ferrari’s dominance at the world’s most prestigious endurance race. The Ford GT40 Mark II finished first, second, and third at Le Mans in 1966, marking the first time an American manufacturer had won the legendary French race. This victory came after years of development, massive financial investment, and the collaboration of legendary figures like Carroll Shelby and Ken Miles.
The battle between Ford and Ferrari represented more than just corporate rivalry. It showcased two different approaches to racing excellence – Ferrari’s refined European engineering tradition versus Ford’s American industrial might and deep pockets. Ford’s GT40 engineering approach focused on reliability and power, using a proven NASCAR-derived 427 cubic inch V8 engine that prioritized durability over raw performance.
This remarkable story involves technical innovation, corporate drama, and racing legends who transformed an ambitious project into a Le Mans-winning machine. The GT40’s success changed motorsport forever and created a lasting legacy that continues to influence sports car design and racing strategy today.
Key Takeaways
- Ford’s GT40 achieved a historic 1-2-3 finish at Le Mans in 1966, ending Ferrari’s dominance at the world’s most famous endurance race
- The GT40’s success came from using a reliable NASCAR-based 427 V8 engine rather than pursuing maximum horsepower like competitors
- The victory established Ford’s racing credibility and created a lasting automotive legend that influences sports car development today
The Rivalry: Ford Vs Ferrari at Le Mans
The Ford-Ferrari rivalry began with a failed business deal that turned personal between two automotive giants. Ferrari dominated Le Mans throughout the 1960s while Ford sought to prove American engineering could conquer Europe’s most prestigious endurance race.
Genesis of the Ford-Ferrari Feud
The feud started in 1963 when Enzo Ferrari was worried his road-car operation could no longer fund his racing dreams. He looked for a corporate partner with deep pockets.
Ford sent negotiators to Maranello to discuss a potential acquisition. Lee Iacocca dispatched Don Frey to work directly with Enzo Ferrari on a deal.
After weeks of negotiations and late-night dinners, they reached an agreement. But Ferrari had second thoughts at the last minute.
Ferrari backed out, declaring he couldn’t work under Ford’s corporate structure. When Frey returned to Ford headquarters empty-handed, Henry Ford II reportedly said “All right, if that’s the way he wants it, we’ll go out and whip his ass.”
This rejection sparked Ford’s massive investment in sports car racing. The company committed to what became the most expensive racing program ever undertaken at that time.
Ferrari’s Le Mans Dominance
Ferrari ruled the 24 Hours of Le Mans throughout the early 1960s. Their cars combined speed with reliability across the grueling French circuit.
Ferrari’s Le Mans victories:
- 1960: Ferrari 250 TR
- 1962: Ferrari 330 TRI/LM
- 1963: Ferrari 250P
- 1964: Ferrari 275P
- 1965: Ferrari 250LM
The Italian manufacturer had won five of six races leading up to 1966. Their mid-engine prototypes set the technical standard for endurance racing.
Ferrari’s success came from years of racing experience. They understood how to build cars that could survive 24 hours at racing speeds while maintaining competitive lap times.
Ford’s Ambition to Win
Ford established Ford Advanced Vehicles near Heathrow Airport to develop their Le Mans challenger. They hired British chassis expert Eric Broadley and team manager John Wyer.
The GT40 name came from the car’s 40-inch height. Ford provided American V8 engines while British engineers handled the chassis design.
Early results were disappointing. Ford’s GT40s posted seven consecutive DNFs before their first race finish.
Ford brought Carroll Shelby into the program in December 1964. Shelby’s team in California began intensive development work on the troubled GT40.
Ford descended on Le Mans 1966 with eight factory-backed cars. They brought 21 tons of spare parts and a mobile workshop.
Henry Ford II handed motorsports chief Leo Beebe a note before the race. It simply read “You better win” and was signed “Henry.”
Engineering the Ford GT40 for Victory
Ford’s GT40 transformation required overcoming massive technical hurdles with the 427 V8 engine, implementing cutting-edge aerodynamics, and leveraging expertise from Carroll Shelby and Lola Cars to create a Le Mans winner.
Design and Development Challenges
The Ford GT40 faced serious engineering problems when Ford decided to install the massive 427 V8 engine. The original GT40 used a 289 cubic inch V8, but this smaller engine couldn’t compete with Ferrari’s power.
Roy Lunn, Ford’s chief design engineer, led the effort to fit the hulking 7-liter Galaxie engine into the mid-engine chassis. This required extensive modifications to the car’s structure and weight distribution.
The bigger engine added several hundred pounds to the car’s weight. Engineers had to strengthen many components to handle the increased stress and torque.
Key Engineering Changes:
- Extended nose to accommodate larger radiator and cooling ducts
- Reinforced chassis and suspension components
- New transmission design to handle 427 V8 torque
- Cast alloy wheels instead of wire wheels
Stopping the 2,800-pound car from 200 mph became a major challenge. The added weight meant brakes had to work much harder at high speeds.
Aerodynamic stability suffered with the longer nose. Engineers added multiple fins and tabs to improve rear-end stability during high-speed runs.
Innovative Technology and Performance Upgrades
Ford’s 427 V8 engine received significant modifications for Le Mans competition. Engineers reduced weight by 52 pounds compared to the NASCAR version through aluminum components.
Engine Specifications:
- Power Output: 485 horsepower
- Weight: 550 pounds (dry)
- RPM Limit: 6,200 (strictly enforced)
- Compression Ratio: 10.5:1
The aluminum heads reduced valve sizes slightly but improved heat dissipation. Intake valves measured 2.06 inches, exhaust valves 1.625 inches.
A completely redesigned dry sump oil system replaced the wet sump. Two scavenge pumps driven by internal chains improved oil circulation and reliability.
The transmission posed the biggest challenge. Kar Kraft designed a new transaxle using heavy-duty Ford gears and a dual-plate clutch system.
Transmission Features:
- Long 2-dry-plate clutch (10.0-inch diameter plates)
- Production 4-speed synchronized gearset
- Transfer gears for different final drive ratios
- Final drive ratio of 2.77:1 for Le Mans
Ford tested engines for 48 hours on dynamometers to ensure 24-hour race durability. This exceeded the actual race demands by 10 hours.
Influence of Carroll Shelby on the GT40
Carroll Shelby brought crucial racing experience and practical engineering knowledge to the GT40 program. His team at Shelby American became one of three racing teams preparing cars for the 1966 Le Mans campaign.
Shelby pushed for weight reduction throughout the car’s design. He specifically requested aluminum heads and other lightweight components from Ford’s Engine & Foundry Division.
His racing background helped identify weak points in the car’s setup. Shelby’s mechanics developed better suspension tuning and aerodynamic solutions through extensive testing.
The Shelby team competed directly with Holman-Moody and Alan Mann Racing teams. This internal competition drove faster development and better solutions across all three teams.
John Cowley coordinated information sharing between teams while maintaining competitive pressure. Each team’s discoveries helped improve all GT40s in the program.
Shelby’s influence extended to driver training and race strategy. His experience with endurance racing helped Ford develop proper driver rotation and pit stop procedures.
Role of Lola Cars and the GT40’s Origins
Eric Broadley of Lola Cars designed the original GT40 concept in 1962-63. His mid-engine layout and semi-monocoque chassis construction formed the foundation for Ford’s Le Mans car.
Broadley’s design featured short-and-long-arm independent suspension at both front and rear. This sophisticated setup provided the handling balance needed for high-speed endurance racing.
The original Lola design accommodated Ford’s smaller V8 engines effectively. When Ford decided to install the 427 V8, engineers had to modify Broadley’s basic structure significantly.
Roy Lunn’s team at Ford refined Broadley’s original concept extensively. They strengthened the chassis, improved aerodynamics, and redesigned cooling systems.
The collaboration between Lola’s racing expertise and Ford’s engineering resources created a winning combination. Broadley’s lightweight construction methods combined with Ford’s powerful engines and manufacturing capabilities.
Ford maintained the core elements of Broadley’s design philosophy throughout development. The mid-engine layout, independent suspension, and aerodynamic body shape remained central to the GT40’s success.
Key Figures in the Ford GT40 Story
The Ford GT40’s success at Le Mans resulted from the combined efforts of several key racing figures. Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon delivered the crucial 1966 victory, Ken Miles provided essential development work and driving expertise, and Carroll Shelby brought his racing vision and team leadership to the entire program.
Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon
Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon formed the winning driver pair that gave Ford its first Le Mans victory in 1966. The New Zealand duo drove the #2 Ford GT40 Mk II to first place in the historic race.
McLaren brought Formula One experience to the GT40 program. He understood how to manage a long-distance race and conserve both the car and himself over 24 hours.
Amon complemented McLaren’s skills perfectly. The young driver was known for his smooth driving style and technical feedback that helped improve the car’s setup.
Their victory came as part of Ford’s 1-2-3 finish at Le Mans in 1966. This result marked the end of Ferrari’s dominance at the French circuit.
The McLaren-Amon partnership proved that Ford had found the right combination of drivers and machinery. Their win validated years of development work and massive financial investment in the GT40 program.
Ken Miles: The Unsung Hero
Ken Miles played a crucial role in developing the GT40 into a race-winning machine. The British-born driver worked as both a test driver and development engineer for the program.
Miles spent countless hours testing GT40s at various tracks. His work included lapping Ford’s 5-mile oval track at Romeo, Michigan, at 201 mph in early GT40 Mk II testing.
His technical knowledge helped solve many of the car’s early problems. Miles understood both the driving and engineering sides of racing, making him invaluable to the team.
The experienced driver provided detailed feedback that guided improvements to the GT40’s handling, braking, and reliability. His input helped transform the car from an unreliable prototype into a race winner.
Miles competed in the 1966 Le Mans race but finished second due to a controversial photo finish decision. Despite this disappointment, his development work remained essential to Ford’s overall success at Le Mans.
Carroll Shelby’s Vision and Leadership
Carroll Shelby brought proven racing experience and team management skills to the Ford GT40 program. The former race driver had already built a reputation for creating successful competition cars with his Cobra sports cars.
Shelby’s team handled much of the GT40’s race preparation and development work. His organization knew how to build reliable race cars that could survive 24 hours of competition.
The coordination between multiple racing teams, including Shelby American, became a major factor in Ford’s 1966 success. Shelby’s experience helped Ford organize its racing efforts more effectively.
His practical approach to racing focused on reliability over pure speed. Shelby understood that finishing the race came first, and winning came second.
The Texan’s leadership style motivated his team to solve problems quickly. His hands-on approach and racing background earned respect from both drivers and mechanics working on the GT40 program.
The 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans: Beating Ferrari
The 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans marked Ford’s first victory over Ferrari in endurance racing’s most prestigious event. Ford deployed eight GT40 Mk II cars in a calculated assault while Ferrari entered only three P3 chassis, setting up a controversial finish that would define motorsports history.
Race Day Strategy and Execution
Ford’s approach to the 1966 race was methodical and overwhelming. The American manufacturer entered eight Ford GT40 Mk II cars against Ferrari’s modest three-car effort.
Ford’s assault was “as classically executed as a von Clausewitz campaign” according to racing journalists. The GT40 Mk II cars dominated through superior straight-line speed on the Mulsanne straight.
Ferrari made critical strategic errors. Team manager Eugenio Dragoni failed to use a “hare” strategy of pushing the pace with one car while preserving the others for endurance.
Key Ford drivers included:
- Ken Miles and Denny Hulme
- Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon
- Dan Gurney and Jerry Grant
- Ronnie Bucknum and Dick Hutcherson
All three Ferrari P3 chassis retired from the race. Internal politics at Ferrari also hurt their chances when John Surtees was told to give way to reserve driver Ludovico Scarfiotti, who later crashed.
By the 18th hour, four Ford GT40s were running at the front when the leading Gurney/Grant car retired due to radiator problems.
Controversial Finish and Aftermath
The final hours created one of motorsports’ most disputed finishes. With no Ferrari threat remaining, Ford executives planned a formation finish for publicity purposes.
Ken Miles held a substantial lead over Bruce McLaren with six hours remaining. Ford competition chief Leo Beebe ordered all drivers to maintain 4-minute lap times, about 20 seconds slower than race pace.
Miles drew “notable ire in the Ford pits with a lap of 3 minutes, 38 seconds” – 22 seconds faster than ordered. Carroll Shelby threatened to pull Miles from the race if he continued pushing.
During the final pit stops, Beebe informed drivers about the planned photo finish. Miles was forced to slow down and allow McLaren to catch up for the staged finish.
The controversial decision:
- Both cars crossed the line simultaneously
- French officials declared McLaren/Amon the winners
- McLaren’s car had covered more distance due to starting further back
- Miles lost his chance at the Triple Crown (Daytona, Sebring, and Le Mans wins)
Impact on Motorsports History
The 1966 victory established Ford as a legitimate threat to European racing dominance. This was “the first win for an American constructor in a major European race since Jimmy Murphy’s triumph with Duesenberg at the 1921 French Grand Prix”.
Ford’s investment was massive – an estimated $3 million (approximately $25 million today) to defeat Ferrari at Le Mans. The GT40 would go on to win Le Mans four consecutive years from 1966-1969.
The controversial finish highlighted problems with Le Mans’ starting procedures and timing systems. The staged finish damaged Ken Miles’ reputation and legacy, though he remained one of Ford’s most talented drivers.
Long-term consequences:
- Established American credibility in European motorsports
- Changed how manufacturers approached endurance racing
- Created lasting controversy about corporate interference in racing
- Inspired the 2019 Hollywood film “Ford v Ferrari”
The victory proved that American engineering and resources could compete with traditional European racing powers. Ford’s systematic approach became a template for future manufacturer racing programs.
Legacy and Cultural Impact of the Ford GT40
The Ford GT40’s victory at Le Mans created a lasting impact that went far beyond racing. The car’s story became a symbol of American determination and spawned movies, while the original winning cars remain prized possessions today.
Continuing Success in Le Mans
Ford didn’t stop after their 1966 triumph. The GT40 dominated Le Mans for four straight years from 1966 to 1969.
The 1967 race saw Ford GT40s take first and third place. Dan Gurney and A.J. Foyt drove the winning car that year.
In 1968, Pedro Rodriguez and Lucien Bianchi won in their Gulf-liveried GT40. The famous blue and orange colors became iconic in racing.
The final GT40 victory came in 1969. Jacky Ickx and Jackie Oliver drove the winning car. This made it four wins in a row for Ford.
The GT40’s racing success proved it wasn’t just a lucky win. Ford had built a truly great race car that could beat the best teams in the world.
Ford v Ferrari in Film and Media
The GT40 story gained new fame through the 2019 movie Ford v Ferrari. Christian Bale played Ken Miles and Matt Damon played Carroll Shelby.
The film showed how Ford built the GT40 to beat Ferrari. It focused on the human drama behind the racing program.
The movie brought the GT40’s story to millions of new fans. At the film’s premiere, one of the original winning cars appeared on the red carpet.
The GT40 has appeared in many books, documentaries, and TV shows. Its low, sleek shape makes it instantly recognizable.
Racing fans consider the Ford vs Ferrari rivalry one of the greatest stories in motorsport. The GT40 represents the underdog beating the champion.
Where Are the Winning GT40s Now?
The original race-winning GT40s are now worth millions of dollars. Private collectors own most of these historic cars.
Rob Kauffman of North Carolina owns the 1966 Le Mans winning car. He found the car through a restorer in New Hampshire and spent over 5,000 hours restoring it.
Kauffman took his GT40 back to Le Mans in 2018. He drove the same car around the track where it won 52 years earlier.
Original GT40 Status:
- Most are in private collections
- Some appear at car shows and events
- A few are in museums
- Owners occasionally drive them at special events
The surviving GT40s are treated like art pieces. Their owners spend huge amounts to keep them in perfect condition.
Enduring Influence on Sports Car Racing
The GT40’s triumph fundamentally altered racing car design principles and competitive dynamics at endurance events. Ford’s engineering innovations became standard practice across motorsport, while their victory permanently shifted the balance of power at Le Mans.
Advancements in Race Car Engineering
The GT40 introduced several engineering innovations that shaped endurance racing for decades. Ford’s decision to use a large-displacement, low-revving engine challenged the prevailing wisdom of high-rpm European designs.
Engine Philosophy Revolution
The 7-liter pushrod V8 produced 485 horsepower while running 2000 rpm slower than competitors. This approach prioritized reliability over peak power output.
Ford’s dry sump lubrication system became industry standard. The system featured two scavenge pumps and maintained oil temperatures below 250°F under race conditions.
Aerodynamic Development
The GT40’s mid-engine layout influenced countless sports car designs. Ford extensively tested aerodynamic packages to solve high-speed stability issues that plagued early versions.
Their systematic approach to downforce and drag reduction established new testing protocols. Wind tunnel data became essential for competitive endurance racing development.
Changing the Le Mans Competitive Landscape
Ford’s victory ended Ferrari’s six-year dominance and established American manufacturers as serious Le Mans contenders. The GT40 won four consecutive Le Mans races from 1966 to 1969.
Manufacturer Investment Surge
Corporate involvement in endurance racing intensified after Ford’s success. Major automakers recognized Le Mans as a proving ground for both technology and marketing.
Ford’s systematic approach included dedicated racing divisions and substantial budgets. This professionalization raised the stakes for all competitors.
Technical Regulation Evolution
The GT40’s dominance prompted rule changes limiting engine displacement and aerodynamic aids. Racing organizers sought to maintain competitive balance between different manufacturer approaches.
These regulations shaped modern sports car racing categories. The precedent of manufacturer restrictions continues influencing contemporary endurance racing rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Ford GT40’s triumph at Le Mans involved specific technical innovations, strategic decisions, and key personnel who transformed Henry Ford II’s vision into racing reality. The 1966 victory marked a turning point in international motorsports competition.
What were the key factors behind Ford GT40’s victory over Ferrari at Le Mans?
Ford’s victory stemmed from systematic organization and engineering improvements after three years of development. The company established three competing racing teams working together under central coordination.
The Mark II GT40 used a proven 7-liter NASCAR engine that produced 485 horsepower. This engine ran at lower RPMs than competitors, with drivers limited to 6,200 RPM for reliability.
Ford conducted extensive durability testing on dynamometers for 48 hours. This exceeded the actual race demands of about 38 hours including practice and competition.
Ford entered 15 Mark II GT40s for the 1966 Le Mans race. Eight cars were accepted, with Shelby American running three vehicles.
How did the Ford GT40 Mk2 differ from its competitors in terms of performance?
The Mark II GT40 weighed over 2,800 pounds with driver, significantly heavier than lighter European competitors. However, it produced massive torque from its 7-liter V8 engine.
The Ford engine operated at much lower RPMs than competing engines. It could pull smoothly from 1,000 RPM in top gear, demonstrating exceptional low-end power delivery.
Ford used aluminum cylinder heads to reduce weight from the NASCAR version. The Le Mans engine weighed 550 pounds compared to 602 pounds for the NASCAR variant.
The GT40 featured a single 4-barrel Holley carburetor rated at 780 cubic feet per minute. This contrasted with the multiple Weber carburetors used by European manufacturers.
What role did Ken Miles play in the development and success of the Ford GT40?
Ken Miles served as Shelby American’s primary development driver for the GT40 program. He conducted crucial testing that validated the car’s performance capabilities.
Miles achieved a significant milestone by lapping Ford’s 5-mile oval track at Romeo, Michigan at 201 mph. This demonstration convinced Ford executives to race the Mark II version.
He advocated for mechanical throttle opening instead of vacuum-operated secondary throttles on the carburetor. Miles won this technical argument against Ford’s Engine and Foundry Division preferences.
Miles worked extensively on the 427 GT40X development cars when they arrived at Shelby’s Los Angeles workshop in December 1965.
How did Carroll Shelby influence the modifications on the Ford GT40?
Shelby collaborated with Jack Passino to request maximum weight reduction from Ford’s engine division. This led to aluminum cylinder heads and other lightweight components.
Due to emerging heart conditions, Shelby had retired from driving after his Le Mans victory. However, he maintained strong motivation to defeat Ferrari in racing.
Shelby American operated as one of three racing teams preparing GT40s for competition. His team ran three cars in the 1966 Le Mans race.
The Shelby organization brought racing expertise and development capabilities to Ford’s program. They worked alongside Holman-Moody and Alan Mann Racing teams.
What is the historical significance of the 1966 Ford GT40 in motorsports?
The 1966 victory marked the first time an American car won Le Mans. Ford achieved a complete 1-2-3 finish at the prestigious 24-hour race.
This victory ended Ferrari’s six-year winning streak at Le Mans from 1960 to 1965. The result represented a major shift in international racing competition.
The GT40 program demonstrated how American automotive resources could compete successfully in European endurance racing. Ford’s systematic approach became a model for future racing programs.
The rivalry began when Enzo Ferrari rejected Henry Ford II’s buyout offer in 1963. This sparked Ford’s determination to beat Ferrari at their strongest racing venue.
How does the top speed of the Ford GT40 compare to other race cars of its era?
Ken Miles demonstrated the GT40’s speed potential by reaching 201 mph on Ford’s test track. This performance occurred during early development of the Mark II version.
The GT40’s aerodynamics required extensive development due to rear-end stability problems at high speeds. Engineers added various fins and tabs to improve handling characteristics.
The car’s long nose accommodated larger radiators and cooling ducts necessary for the big engine. This design change affected the vehicle’s aerodynamic properties compared to the original GT40.
Ford’s approach prioritized reliability over maximum speed, with the 7-liter engine producing relatively modest power per liter. The strategy emphasized durability for the 24-hour endurance format.
