Ford took its first overall Le Mans win in 1966. The winning Ford GT40 Mk II was driven by Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon, giving an American constructor its breakthrough victory in Europe’s most famous endurance race.
Ford’s triumph completed a dramatic reversal of fortunes. After Ferrari rejected Henry Ford II’s attempted takeover in the early 1960s, Ford committed heavily to beating Ferrari at Le Mans. Earlier GT40 versions had suffered reliability problems, but the Mk II’s 7.0-liter V8 and improved preparation made the difference in 1966.
The result is often remembered as a three-car Ford formation finish. Ken Miles and Denny Hulme were leading late, but Ford asked the cars to cross together for publicity. McLaren and Amon were officially classified first because their car had started farther behind and therefore covered slightly more distance. Regardless of that controversy, Ford won the manufacturer’s contest, with three GT40s finishing first, second, and third.
The victory began Ford’s four-year Le Mans winning streak, which continued through 1969. It is also distinct from Ford’s later class victories and from Chevrolet’s separate American endurance-racing achievements.