2015 Le Mans 24 Hours: An exceptional exhibition recalls the Ford-Ferrari duel

In 2015, the historic exhibition put on by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest in partnership with the Sarthe Department and GEFCO in the Le Mans 24-Hours village is devoted to one of the most legendary duels in the history of the Le Mans 24 Hours, the battle between Ford and Ferrari. The highpoint of the exhibition will be a special parade on Saturday 13th June before the start of the race.

2015 marks the 50th anniversary of the last victory of a Ferrari at Le Man. The ACO Heritage department is devoting its traditional exhibition of historic cars to the Italian make by highlighting the thrilling duel between the Prancing Horse and Ford that lasted four years.

In 1963 Ford’s (America’s iconic make) best engineers got down to designing an innovative car, the GT 40 for the 1964 Le Mans 24 Hours, to challenge Ferrari which dominated racing in the Sarthe. Early on the Fords were very quick but suffered from poor reliability and they were unable to pose a threat to the fearsome Italian cars. But the Americans came back the following years and the intensity of the battle was fanned by the personal rivalry between Enzo Ferrari and Henry Ford II. Thus, from 1964 to 1967, the two manufacturers went at it hammer and tongs and their duel has forever been associated with one of the most glorious eras in the history of the Le Mans 24 Hours!

In an original 60s’ decor the spectators can see the fabulous cars that have forged the legend. Numerous objects and archives from different collections will complete the setting. Original drawings from the cartoon book published on 29th October 2014 by the Editions Glénat in collaboration with the ACO devoted to the Ford-Ferrari duel will also be on show.

Some 15 of these legendary cars will be on display (subject to modification)

Ferrari 250 GTO 1963, Replica
Shelby Cobra Daytona 1964
Ferrari 275 LM, 6th at Le Mans in 1965
Ferrari 330 P
Ferrari 330 P3 1966
Ferrari 330 P4 Le Mans 1967
Camion HY Marchal
1967 Le Mans Ferrari transporter/workshop
Ford GT40 Mk I 1964
Ford GT40 Mk I Le Mans 1965
Ford GT40 Mk II, Replica of the 1966 winner
Ford GT40 Mk II, 3rd at Le Mans in 1966
Ford GT40 Mk IV Le Mans 1967
Ford GT40 Mk II Le Mans 1968

A.C.O.