1966 Ford GT40 Mario Andretti Le Mans 24 Hours in 1:18 scale
This exquisite model is hand painted and polished to a beautiful finish.
Other features include:
- Extremely Detailed Engine
- Moveable and Steerable Front Wheels
- Accurate and highly detailed Interior and Chassis
- Opening Doors, Trunk and Hood
In the 1966 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Mario Andretti and Lucien Bianchi teamed up to drive a Ford GT40 Mk II for the Ford factory team. The race took place on June 18-19, 1966, at the Circuit de la Sarthe in Le Mans, France.
Andretti, an Italian-American racing driver who would later become one of the most successful and versatile drivers in motorsports, was paired with Bianchi, a Belgian racing driver with considerable endurance racing experience.
The Ford GT40 Mk II was a purpose-built sports car designed to challenge the dominance of Ferrari at Le Mans and other endurance races. The GT40 featured a powerful V8 engine, advanced aerodynamics, and engineering innovations, making it a formidable competitor.
The 1966 race at Le Mans was highly anticipated, as Ford was eager to claim victory against its arch-rival, Ferrari. The Ferrari team had been dominant at Le Mans for several years prior, but Ford was determined to break their winning streak.
Andretti and Bianchi's GT40 showed strong performance from the start. However, the race was not without its challenges. Adverse weather conditions, including heavy rain and poor visibility, added an extra layer of difficulty for the drivers.
As the race progressed, the Ford GT40s began to dominate the field, with fierce competition from the Ferrari team. The battle for the lead intensified, and multiple lead changes occurred throughout the race.
Andretti and Bianchi displayed exceptional driving skills and perseverance. They maintained a competitive pace while navigating through the challenging conditions and avoiding potential pitfalls.
In the final hours of the race, Andretti and Bianchi found themselves in a close fight for victory with another Ford GT40 driven by Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon. The two Ford teams exchanged the lead several times, showcasing their determination and skill.
Ultimately, it was the McLaren/Amon GT40 that took the checkered flag, securing the first overall victory for Ford at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Andretti and Bianchi finished a close second, just a few seconds behind their teammates.
While Andretti and Bianchi narrowly missed out on the win, their performance was highly commendable. Their second-place finish contributed to Ford's historic 1-2-3 sweep of the podium, solidifying Ford's victory over Ferrari and marking a significant turning point in sports car racing history.
The 1966 Le Mans race was a pivotal moment for Ford, as it marked the first American manufacturer's victory at the prestigious endurance event and ended Ferrari's dominance at Le Mans. It also showcased Andretti's talent as a driver and set the stage for his successful career in motorsports.