Filed under: Motorsports, Time Warp, Ford
Reunited, and it feels so good
Ford reunites GT40 trio that swept Le Mans in '66
click for high-resolution version
2006 marks the 40th anniversary of Ford's 1-2-3 finish at the 24 Hours of Le Mans back in 1966. Born out Ford's desire to be beat Ferrari at its own game, the historic victory came courtesy of three GT40 Mark II race cars that this week were reunited at the Le Mans Classic to commemorate the anniversary. This was the first time all three cars had been together since Ford commemorated the racing event's 30th anniversary some 10 years ago.
Ford of Europe even went to the trouble of shipping the first place car, a black and silver Shelby American Mark II, all the way from the U.S. where it resides under the ownership of American collector George Stauffer.
Ford restaged the 1-2-3 finish for the benefit of photographers, who likely won't get a chance to capture the recreation for another ten years.
(A few more high-resolution pics after the jump)
[Source: Ford]
click for high-resolution version
2006 marks the 40th anniversary of Ford's 1-2-3 finish at the 24 Hours of Le Mans back in 1966. Born out Ford's desire to be beat Ferrari at its own game, the historic victory came courtesy of three GT40 Mark II race cars that this week were reunited at the Le Mans Classic to commemorate the anniversary. This was the first time all three cars had been together since Ford commemorated the racing event's 30th anniversary some 10 years ago.
Ford of Europe even went to the trouble of shipping the first place car, a black and silver Shelby American Mark II, all the way from the U.S. where it resides under the ownership of American collector George Stauffer.
Ford restaged the 1-2-3 finish for the benefit of photographers, who likely won't get a chance to capture the recreation for another ten years.
(A few more high-resolution pics after the jump)
[Source: Ford]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Mike 4:43PM (7/14/2006)
Where are the rest of the images? I wanna use it as a wallpaper but that guy holding the flag ruins it for me.
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The other Bob 4:50PM (7/14/2006)
Look how small it is compared to the people? The road version of today seems much larger.
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Fooman 5:01PM (7/14/2006)
The original gt 40 is so named as it was only 40 inches high at the highest point. Yes that pic makes it look small, and while not a huge car, in person it does look much bigger then that pic. Dan Gurney at 6'4 raced one and all they had to do was put a little bubble on teh top so he could race it with a helmet on. If you look closely the first and third place car both have "Gurney bubbles" I am also 6'4 and can very comfortably fit in one, with no issues in size. I wish I could say the same about the new caimen.
The New GT actually a cmpletely different car that is 48 inches tall actually while looking almost identicle shares no body work, parts or even ratios in body dimensions, much like the new mini cooper and the old mini coopers
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Mike Main 5:13PM (7/14/2006)
That was a great day in history. I still remember the headlines -- ONE, TWO, THREE, FORD at Le Mans.
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roadside observer 11:18PM (7/14/2006)
Truly a historic day in racing history. I wish I could have been there to see both the actual event and the re-creation!
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Derrick 12:51AM (7/15/2006)
The Le Mans victory was before my time. I just became a fan of the GT 40 in the past four or five years. From all I have read, the old and new versions are a real treat to drive. But, I'm not rich enough yet to own one, so I'll just admire its beauty.
The classic as well as the new and improved version are both pieces of art. There are only a handful of cars ever made that are as fun to gaze at. I will be sad when they quit making the GT 40 for good. Maybe in a few years I'll be able to buy a used one.
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Chris 12:52AM (7/15/2006)
Original or current, the GT is the coolest Anerican sports car ever made. There are faster, there are cheaper but none have the entire package including looks like the GT. Now Ford, we need that modern Shelby Daytona/GR1!
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Proud Japanese 6:42AM (7/15/2006)
The Ford GT40 is more British than American.
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Filip 7:16AM (7/16/2006)
My Dad was there, apparently one of the three had a crash, a very nasty crash. I'll check which one and get back to you.
F.
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Bob Zeliff 8:32AM (7/16/2006)
Great era in American racing. Not duplicated since, though the Vett team is doing a great job. Saw the GT40 race in Gulf livery at Watkins Glen...
Those were the days. Where has racing gone in the US
Nascar...with decal head lights!
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Joe 9:07AM (7/16/2006)
#9-- found a short mention of the crash here: http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns17101.html
Apparently Adrian Newey crashed the GT40 that he owns - d'oh!
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RacetrackOwner 10:21AM (7/16/2006)
This would be far more interesting if Ford had even remote connections to modern-day road racing. Without that, it's just another pointless advertising gimmick. Now they just support drag racing (with Mopar engines) and mind-numbing NASCAR circles (where innovation is illegal).
Proud Japanese: The Acura LMP entry in 2007 will be using a Lola chassis and an engine from Courage. How's that fit into your prejudicial world view?
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tio 11:33AM (7/16/2006)
Beautiful. I loved those car's. We American's forget that the engineering was done in the UK. We provided the V8. While I like the new GT the original is a better size for the track.
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