24h Le Mans
Global automotive icon Ford made its mark on the 24 Hours of Le Mans through innovation, audacity and unforgettable triumphs. Here is a brief look at a saga built on passion and the spirit of competition.
Though Ford was on the scene in the first years of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, it was only indirectly involved in the race. Charles Montier, a French car dealer nicknamed "The Wizard," fielded modified Ford Ts called Montier Specials, but they didn't exactly make a splash. In 1937, a Ford TEN GB made its debut under the British flag with Australian driver Joan Richmond at the wheel, finishing 14th overall..
After World War II, the American marque functioned primarily as an engine supplier, but the success of General Motors' Corvette compelled Henry Ford II to go on the offensive. Carroll Shelby, a former driver turned car developer, played a critical role in the effort. In 1963, two AC Cobras powered by Ford V8s took the start in the 24 Hours but were easily dominated by Ferrari who finished in the top six spots.
Ford invested heavily to compete with Ferrari, buying Lola and hiring British engineer John Wyer. Enter the Ford GT40 in 1964 at an intimidating height of 40.5 inches. Despite gearbox problems in 1964 and 1965, the Shelby-led program progressed with a 7-litre engine in the Ford MKII..
The time for revenge finally arrived in 1966. Ferrari failed to find its rhythm, paving the way for Ford's three MKIIs to conquer the podium. The finish was a stunner: McLaren and Amon in the #2 Ford winning on the back of a controversial end-of-race strategy with only 20 metres separating it from the #1.
Despite the American constructor officially withdrawing in 1968, the Ford GT40 enjoyed continued success thanks to John Wyer. That year, the duo Rodríguez-Bianchi won the carmaker a third victory. In 1969, Jacky Ickx made history by winning after a walking start, refusing to run to his car. It remains to this day one of the most iconic performances in the history of the race.
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of its legendary 1966 victory, Ford made its big return to the 24 Hours in 2016 with the new Ford GT. Entered in the LMGTE Pro class, the #68 shared by Joey Hand, Dirk Müller and Sébastien Bourdais clinched a decisive win, a fitting hommage to the marque's history, demonstrating its capacity to innovate and surmount modern endurance racing challenges.
Ford, through determination and ability, redefined standards at Le Mans. The legacy of the GT40 and its undeniable success continue to inspire generations of drivers, and the American manufacturer will make its highly anticipated return to the race in the Hypercar class in 2027. Could a new duel with Ferrari 60 years later be on the programme?
