14.11.2023Le Mans-legend in a special scale: The first victorious Ford GT40

Part of the basis for a comeback is given, because in 2024 a new GT3 class will be introduced in the endurance classic, for which Ford has a newly developed Mustang in its lineup. However, the demand for the starting slots is enormous, so the US manufacturer could potentially come away empty-handed.

The return would definitely please the fans, especially since Ford helped write one of the most important chapters of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. We're talking about the unforgettable duel between Ford and Ferrari in the 1960s. With the legendary GT40, Ford prevailed against its arch rival for the first time in 1966. CMR released the winning car as an impressive model in scale 1:12. The black GT40 not only cemented the beginning of Ford's winning streak, but was also part of one of the strangest finishes in Le Mans history. But first things first.

The GT40 owes its creation to the failed negotiations over a takeover of Ferrari by Ford. Previously trying to work together, Ford now wanted to outdo the top dog. The GT40, which debuted at Le Mans in 1964, was developed for this purpose. However, the first two attempts did not bring the desired success.

The car was completely modified for 1966 and Ford arrived at Le Mans with an armada of eight Mark II variants. Manufacturers, teams and drivers could be in good spirits because the GT40 had already won the endurance races in Daytona and Sebring earlier in the year. And at Le Mans too, events developed in Ford's favor early on. After Henry Ford II released the hunt as honorary starter, his cars took the lead ahead of Ferrari and recorded a triple lead after the first hour. Ferrari was able to rally again in the evening when the rain started, but after technical problems for their competitors, Ford emerged from the night alone on a long road. Numerous GT40s had already had to give up, but before the finale the three remaining Mark IIs were in the first three places.

At the front was the car of Ken Miles and Denny Hulme. Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon followed behind on the same lap. For the photo, Ford wanted both cars to cross the finish line side by side. So final driver Ken Miles let his brand colleague Bruce McLaren catch up and they both crossed the finish line almost at the same time. The victory was then surprisingly awarded to McLaren and Amon. At the start they were a few places behind Miles and Hulme and therefore completed the longer distance. With this strange outcome, the first Le Mans victory for the Ford GT40 was perfect.

CMR has produced the model of the winning car in a special scale of 1:12. The third-placed GT40 of Ronnie Bucknum and Dick Hutcherson, who completed the triple success for Ford twelve laps behind, is available on the same scale. Both models were made of resin and produced exclusively for ck-modelcars in the usual high quality.

Ford GT40 Mk II #2 Winner 24h LeMans 1966 McLaren, Amon 1:12 CMR, RRP €219,95, item-no.: CMR12034

Ford GT40 Mk II #5 3rd 24h LeMans 1966 Bucknum, Hutcherson 1:12 CMR, RRP €219,95, item-no.: CMR12037

productos

	Ford GT40 Mk II #2 ganador 24h LeMans 1966 McLaren, Amon 1:12 CMR	158,36 €
	Ford GT40 Mk II #5 3er 24h LeMans 1966 Bucknum, Hutcherson 1:12 CMR	158,36 €