The beginning of the story

The movie “Le Mans 66” reminded us what a fantastic adventure it was for the Ford GT40 at Le Mans. But before the 4 successive victories between 1966 and 1969, one should remember that the GT40 was twice defeated.

In 1964, the one driven by Dick Attwood and Jo Schlesser (picture above), did not last more than 8 hours. The two drivers were racing in Formula 2 at the time, and were delighted to represent an important constructor at Le Mans, plus receiving a nice pay-check for their services!

The British driver will later find glory at La Sarthe by winning the 1970 Le Mans 24 Hours with Hans Hermann aboard a Porsche 917 (the first Porsche victory at Le Mans), but the French veteran will sadly perish in the flames of the Honda RA302, just after the start of the 1968 French Grand Prix at Rouen…

Picture below: In 1964, victory went to Ferrari with Jean Guichet and Nino Vaccarella.