The Ford GT returns. Its triumphant march to @24hoursoflemans began with a win at the first @Rolex24Hours in '66. pic.twitter.com/ycXmQJLq85
— Ford Performance (@FordPerformance) January 26, 2016
Ask any motor sports enthusiast what the most important, prestigious race in the world is, and they'll tell you it's 24 Hours of LeMans.
Okay, a NASCAR fan will say Daytona 500, but let's not get nitpicky. On the world stage, it's Le Mans.
In 1966, no American-made car had ever won this grueling endurance race. For the past six years, it had been taken by a Ferrari.
Henry Ford II hated Enzo Ferrari.
In 1963, the owner of the Italian luxury line approached the Detroit-based automaker with an offer to sell his company. Henry Ford II was thrilled at the idea of having Ferrari's prestige as part of his lineup. After three months of smooth negotiations... Enzo Ferrari suddenly backed out.
That's the history of the Ford GT.
Swearing to hit Ferrari where it hurt -- the racetrack -- Henry Ford II pushed his company double-time to develop a vehicle powerful enough to whoop a Ferrari.
Three years later, in 1966, the Ford GT did just that, stealing first, second, and third place at Le Mans, and becoming the first American car to win.
Join us at Rockdale Country Ford in rooting for team Ford Chip Ganassi Racing at this year's 24 Hours of Le Mans, where the GT will make a glorious return after 50 years. Perhaps a new vehicle is just the thing to help celebrate.