Through drivers eyes: Le Mans 1966
Back in 1966, the determination of Henry Ford II to show the world that his company could build a car to compete and win at the pinnacle of international sports car racing was finally rewarded at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Ford’s glorious GT40 Mark IIs dominated the rain soaked race, finishing 1-2-3, and Henry Ford II was there to bask in the glory of achieving his goal of beating Ferrari to the crown jewel of racing success, Le Mans. Ford savored the moment by joining Carroll Shelby’s winning team of Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon on the podium.
This short video is taken from Legends of Motorsport, and was shot during the epic 1966 event. What makes the clip interesting is the commentary of Graham Hill, John Surtees, Carroll Shelby and winner Bruce McLaren.
The clip showcases the carnival atmosphere at Le Mans with peeks at the food stalls and spectator areas. A highlight is the classic footage of kids racing go-karts, with the budding racers rubbing panels in their sportscar bodied karts complete with period bucket helmets and replica Dunlop blues.
Good fun.
Via The Chicane
Tags: 1960s, Classic Racing Cars, Drivers, Le Mans, Sports Cars, Video
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Hello,
Dear Rick,
I am working with a producer on a series of fifty-second spots to commemorate the 175th birthday of the State of Texas next year. We have a very special story honoring Carroll Shelby that we’d like to include in the series.
The series is entitled CELEBRATE TEXAS 175 and will air throughout Texas in 2011.We are currently shooting these first five stories and collecting needed photographs and footage. We’d like the your help with historical footage and photographs of Carroll Shelby that would help illustrate the piece. Specifically, we’d like to use some of the footage of the 1966 Le Mans race, and some of the photos from your November 18 2009 post.If you would like to see some of the finished spots, please contact me and I’ll send you a link. Thank you for your consideration, I look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards,
Melanie Peskett
214.693.4187
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