Motor Sport Magazine Specials

The authoritative voice of motor racing since 1924 covers the entire motor racing scene. In these Special Editions, the team digs into the archives to give exclusive insight, rare photographic footage, detailed race reports, and a unique take on the subject matter; from world-class drivers through to iconic car marques, and also how some of these real-life stories have been adapted for the big screen.

LE MANS ’66

Motor Sport Magazine Specials

THE HISTORY • What began as a seemingly fruitful business deal for both sides sparked perhaps motor racing’s ultimate grudge match. This is the story behind the story

HOW FORD’S BITTER FAILURE INSPIRED AN EPIC VICTORY • The GT40 is an endurance icon which dominated Le Mans from 1966-1969 but its true origin story begins further back than Hollywood would lead you to believe

Lola’s silent hero that grew into the Le Mans ’66-winning Ford GT40 • Built on a shoestring, the Lola Mk6 GT looked the opposite of a world-beater - especially when it retired from the 1963 Le Mans 24 Hours. But Eric Broadley’s genius saw it transform into the legendary Ford GT40

THE EVENT • Nothing beats being there. And we were. Relive the greatest-ever Le Mans through our own period coverage

FORD’S FIRST: THE ROAD TO LE MANS • The Ford GT40 wasn’t born a winner, it had to become one. The American brand’s path to glory began on home soil, with a breakthrough win in the 1966 Daytona 24 Hours. And Michael Tee was there to witness it

TESTING, TESTING… • After Stateside glory, Le Mans would be a different challenge for Shelby and his team. The annual test would be key to Ford getting a grip. Denis Jenkinson witnessed the first European gathering

FORD TO THE FORE… FINALLY • The Ford GT40s finish one-two-three, with Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon taking the American marque’s breakthrough victory over the Ferraris

The American view • When scouring the international press in the fallout from the Le Mans finish, Bill Boddy found a report from Road & Track that sparked some thoughts

THE AFTERMATH: FORD CARS WIN - BUT WHICH ONE? • Timing issues leave the result of 1966 Le Mans in confusion

FOUL PLAY FROM FORD? • Ford’s efforts to secure a dead-heat photo finish at Le Mans in 1966 cost Ken Miles victory from a four-lap lead. But was it back luck or intra-team conspiracy? Tim Considine considers in his book Yanks at Le Mans

Subscribe now… • …and join the world’s most passionate community of motor racing fans

THE CHARACTERS • The cast of Le Mans 1966 goes far further than just Henry and Enzo. Here we delve into the heroes who brought the race to life

CARROLL SHELBY: THE LOST INTERVIEW • When the motor racing legend visited Goodwood 25 years ago, David Waldron met him as part of his research for a book project. The conversation has never been published – until now…

KEN MILES: FORD’S FORGOTTEN SUPERSTAR • A Hollywood film with an English hero? Gordon Cruickshank profiles the remarkable Ken Miles, who laid the groundwork for Le Mans glory – only to see it snatched away

RACING GONE CORPORATE: “McLAREN WAS QUICKER SO HIS CAR WAS SABOTAGED” • Ford was desperate to win Le Mans in 1966, but had to overcome both Ferrari and intense political in-fighting. Paul Fearnley looks at the story from the suits’ perspective

THE MAIN PLAYERS • Beyond just the Ford v Ferrari headline act, Le Mans 1966 played host to a raft of star names from all walks of the sport. We take a look at how they fared across a turbulent 24 hours and beyond

THE SILVER SCREEN • It was a stranger than fiction script, ripe for a major Hollywood project. Ford v Ferrari, or Le Mans ’66, brought the tale back to life for a new generation. We went behind the scenes

FORD V FERRARI...