Le Mans legends: Watch how Ford beat Ferrari in 1966
Every day, Motorsport.com invites you to rediscover a milestone edition of the greatest endurance race in the world, the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Today, it’s the turn of the classic 1966 event.
The duel of titans Ford and Ferrari was the main attraction of the 34th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Determined to put an end to Ferrari domination since the beginning of the decade, Henry Ford II arrived in La Sarthe with no fewer than eight examples of the all-new GT40 MkII.
This new version was drastically different under the bonnet, boasting a 7-litre V8 engine. In response, Ferrari entered three 330 P3, remaining faithful to its 4-litre V12.
Unfortunately for the Scuderia, none of its 330 P3s reached the finish line, allowing Ford to dominate with its GT40s. Ford swept the top three positions in a memorable photo finish – although there was controversy as, during its efforts to create a dead heat, Bruce McLaren moves ahead of long-time leader Ken Miles to claim victory.
This event will be the focus of the new feature film to be released in November, starring Christian Bale and Matt Damon as Miles and Carroll Shelby respectively.
The complete version of this race, and all the archives of the 24 Hours of Le Mans – including official films and Allan McNish's personal selections – are available on Motorsport.tv.
Subscribe now to Motorsport.tv (free trial, then €3.50 per month or €33.99 per year): https://www.motorsport.tv/join.
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About this article
| Series | Le Mans |
| Event | 24 Hours of Le Mans |
| Drivers | Ken Miles , Bruce McLaren |
| Author | Ayrton Lemaire |
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