How True is Le Mans ’66?

The popular 2019 film “Ford vs Ferrari” tells the story of the 24h Le Mans race in 1966. Led by Carroll Shelby, Ford developed a state-of-the-art car that would go on to defeat the Scuderia Ferrari, ending the Italians’ dominance at Le Mans and crowning Ford the 1966 Le Mans winners.

This was an iconic moment in motorsport history, but how closely did the film stick to the truth? As we build up to the 2023 World Endurance Championship (WEC) race at Le Mans, we separate the fact from the fiction.

What is 24h Le Mans?

The 24h Le Mans race presents an unparalleled test of endurance, where some of the world's finest racers engage in a grueling 24-hour battle on the circuit. With speeds reaching up to 200 mph, these exceptional drivers share a common objective: to cover the greatest possible distance within the allotted time.

Since its inception in 1923, the 24h Le Mans has attracted renowned manufacturers like Porsche, Ferrari, Toyota, and Ford, all vying for glory. Achieving success in this iconic race requires a multifaceted approach, combining top-notch engineering, skilled pit crews, and talented drivers who harmoniously work together to secure victory.

What is the Film Le Mans ’66?

"Ford vs Ferrari," also known as "Le Mans '66”, recounts Ford's remarkable triumph in 1966. The movie centers around Henry Ford II (Tracy Letts), who, driven by ambition, spearheads Ford's racing division to challenge and surpass Ferrari.

Under the leadership of Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon), the team embarks on developing the formidable Ford GT40 MK1, with the talented driver Ken Miles (Christian Bale) behind the wheel. The film chronicles their victories at the 1966 24 Hours of Daytona and the iconic Le Mans race, where Ford secured all podium places and the famous photo was taken of their top three finish.

An epilogue showcases Ford's subsequent dominance at Le Mans, with victorious performances in the 1967, 1968, and 1969 races. The film holds a special place in both racing and automobile history, captivating the hearts of motorsport enthusiasts worldwide.

Which Parts of Le Mans ’66 Are True?

Though Le Man ’66 is a Hollywood blockbuster, the film does contain a lot of factual elements within the story:

Ford v Ferrari

Considered the catalyst for this famous rivalry, Ford had initially offered to buy Ferrari. Enzo Ferrari, unwilling to lose control of his company, turned this down and made a deal with Fiat instead - all while maintaining control.

After Enzo went on to insult the ugliness of Ford vehicles, Henry Ford vowed to build a car that would humiliate Ferrari with a win at Le Mans.

Protagonists

Although some of the people involved in this story are missing, the central characters, Ken Miles and Carroll Shelby, are here, as well as the rivalry between Henry Ford II and Enzo Ferrari. Their life, personality and spirit were portrayed with striking accuracy and received great praise from critics.

The Cars

The movie accurately depicted the challenges that came with the development and performance of the GT40 on the track and in testing. Everything from solving the infamous brake problem to the development of a more aerodynamic car was covered.

The Race

The movie captures the race event well. It pays attention to small yet significant details, such as Ken's initial door problem at the start of the Le Mans '66 race and the Italian cars breaking down during the intense battle.

Is Le Mans ’66 Exaggerated?

As with all Hollywood movies, there’s always an element of poetic license when telling a story:

Enzo Ferrari and Le Mans 1966

One of the notable deviations in the movie is the inclusion of Enzo Ferrari at the 1966 Le Mans race, which did not actually happen in reality. However, Director James Mangold deemed it crucial for the storytelling and decided to incorporate Enzo Ferrari's presence in the film.

The Exhilarating Ride

A noteworthy moment in the film is the light-hearted scene where Carroll Shelby takes Mr. Ford on a thrilling ride in the MK40. However, it’s Ken Miles who actually took on the role of the driver during that memorable occasion.

Fictional races

Some events, such as the race that happened at Willow Springs Raceway in California, were fictional and built as a platform to develop plot and character personalities, acting as a setup for Ford as the 1966 Le Mans winner.

GT40 Engineering

While the movie focuses on the GT40 being almost a brainchild of Shelby and Miles, the real story involved a much bigger team including people such as Roy Lunn who was actually considered the godfather of the MK.1 GT40.

Let’s Go!

Whether you’re a super fan of the film or a lover of endurance racing, at Hertz we’re confident that the World Endurance Championships (WEC) will have you on the edge of your seat. Le Mans 2023 promises to be a thrilling race and we hope you can join us in our support for Hertz Team JOTA.