Of all the races in the world the 24-hours of Le Mans may well be the best known. And of all the 24-hour races at Le Mans, held since 1923, the 1966 edition is perhaps considered as the best of them all. Why? Well, mainly due to the fact that Ford of America, of all marques, managed to beat the mighty Ferrari of Italy, which seemed simply invincible at the time. It's a story often told and clearly one worthy of a movie. In fact that movie has now been made. Yesterday evening it premiered in Europe and tomorrow it will be all over in theatres in the USA also, featuring Matt Damon as Carroll Shelby and Christian Bale as Ken Miles in lead roles.
Is there any place in the movie for a tiny little 1289cc Mini Marcos that found its way into the real race back in '66? I haven't seen it yet, but I don't think so. But you and I know that this little racer, run by a miniature team of enthusiasts became the darling of the crowds, was nicknamed 'La Puce Bleu' and came home at an incredible 15th overall in between these monsters of power, speed and fortune. Are you going? I am!
Le Mans '66 is known in the US as Ford vs. Ferrari - that's what it's about
Picture 20th Century Fox
But the real race wasn't just about Ford and Ferrari. At least not for me!
Picture Jeroen Booij archive
This little fellow was, in my view, the most heroic car of the 1966 24-hours of Le Mans!
Picture Jeroen Booij archive
The trailer of Le Mans '66 certainly looks promising
Video 20th Century Fox / Youtube