Le Mans Yesterday and Today: Ford

In sixth place among the most successful manufacturers at the 24 Hours of Le Mans is the American giant Ford, which in the early 1960s attempted to purchase Ferrari, intending to make it its racing division. Henry Ford II was frustrated that Ferrari dominated global headlines every Monday for its victories, while Ford had to spend a fortune on advertising for similar recognition. The deal seemed set, but Enzo Ferrari, wanting full control over racing decisions, broke off negotiations in 1963. In truth, Ferrari was also negotiating with Alfa Romeo and Fiat, ultimately agreeing with the latter to remain an Italian brand. Ford, feeling slighted, immediately sought revenge: Henry Ford decided to build Ford-branded race cars, developed in-house. The result was the Ford GT40, designed specifically for Le Mans.

The Ford GT40 No. 2 driven by Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon, winner of the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans. This was Ford's first victory at the Circuit de la Sarthe.

Though the path was correct, to secure victory, the GT40 (standing for Gran Turismo and 40 inches tall, as per regulations) required engines up to 7,000 cc, while Ferrari's P3 and P4 used a 4,000 cc engine. The brilliance of the GT40 lay in its modern design: a rear-engine, sleek, elegant coupe—no small feat for a manufacturer focused on racing. The project was developed in the UK by Ford Advanced Vehicles in Slough, with input from Eric Bradley of Lola. The first version was powered by a 4.2-liter Ford V8 Fairlane engine, delivering around 350 hp.

The Ford GT Mk IV wins again at Le Mans in 1967 with Dan Gurney and A.J. Foyt.

Despite its beauty, the car initially proved fragile, and 1963 was a disaster. Ford then brought in Carroll Shelby, who had done wonders with the Ford-powered Cobras. Shelby understood that to win Le Mans, a new engine was necessary. He opted for a powerful 7-liter engine, a distinctly American move. In 1966, Ford defeated Ferrari at Le Mans—a victory that repeated in 1967 with the Mk IV, and in 1968 and 1969 with the help of the John Wyer Automotive Engineering team.

Pedro Rodriguez and Lucien Bianchi celebrate the 1968 victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The following year, Ford triumphed again with Jacky Ickx and Jackie Oliver.

Ford's four victories with the GT40 and its evolutions are undoubtedly the most significant, complemented by two additional wins as an engine supplier: the Mirage GR8 in 1975 and the Rondeau M379 in 1980. In 2016, 50 years after its first victory at Le Mans, Ford returned to the GT class with a car that echoed the legendary GT40's design. This well-executed marketing move resulted in a class win and rekindled memories of the 1966 rivalry with Ferrari. Today, Ford is preparing to return to Formula 1 as an engine supplier for Red Bull, with new regulations starting in 2026. Perhaps, after some time, Ford may even consider a program in the WEC Hypercar class, aiming once again for overall victory at Le Mans.

Ford returns to Le Mans in 2016 in the GT class, winning the 24 Hours race 50 years after its first victory in 1966.