Ford Motor Company has announced its return to the top class of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, set to make its debut with a new hypercar at the prestigious event scheduled for 2027. This move resonates deeply within the automotive world, reviving memories of Ford's fierce rivalry with Ferrari during the 1960s, which not only led to historic victories but also shaped the racing pedigree of the brand.
The origins of Ford’s legacy at Le Mans trace back to the early 1960s when Henry Ford II attempted to purchase Ferrari. After the acquisition fell through, Ford sought revenge on the racetrack, leading to the development of the iconic Ford GT40. This vehicle was engineered with one primary mission: to defeat Ferrari at the Le Mans race. The culmination of this effort resulted in Ford's remarkable 1-2-3 finish at the race in 1966, with drivers Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon at the helm of the winning car.
Over the following years, Ford continued to dominate the event, claiming four consecutive overall victories from 1966 to 1969. Among these triumphs was the spectacular 1967 edition, characterized by fierce competition between Ford and Ferrari, particularly featuring the GT40 MkIV driven by renowned racers Dan Gurney and A.J. Foyt. Their strategic maneuvers and fierce determination delivered Ford its second consecutive win, marking it as one of the race's greatest moments.
Interestingly, another remarkable episode of Ford’s history at Le Mans came from Belgian driver Jacky Ickx, who protested the then-dangerous Le Mans start by walking to his car rather than running. Ickx’s strategic savviness culminated with him delivering Ford's fourth consecutive victory alongside teammate Jackie Oliver, securing his place as one of the race's legendary figures.
After decades of absence at the highest levels of endurance racing, Ford made its return to Le Mans in 2016, exactly 50 years after its historic first victory. The return was marked by the launch of the new Ford GT, which raced under the banner of Ford Chip Ganassi Racing. The team earned triumph at the LM GTE Pro class, showcasing Ford’s commitment to racing excellence once again.
Now, as Ford gears up for its return to the apex of the endurance racing scene, the anticipation is palpable. Speaking on the upcoming venture, Ford expressed its ambition to reclaim the overall victory at Le Mans, echoing the competitive spirit of the GT40 days. Although details about the hypercar’s specifications are still under wraps, speculation suggests it may feature design elements reminiscent of the classic GT40.
Currently, Ford's last road-going GT model went out of production two years ago, but its return to the Le Mans top class signifies the manufacturer’s eagerness to innovate and lead once again. Ford’s involvement with Le Mans isn't merely nostalgic; it also serves as a reflection of the company's dedication to performance and its desire to push boundaries within the motorsport arena.
This strategic move aligns with Ford's broader goal of re-establishing its presence within the competitive world of motorsports and endurance racing. With the manufacturing of hypercars gaining traction, Ford's return is expected to cause ripples not only among racing enthusiasts but across the automotive industry.
The announcement of Ford's participation is also poised to encourage fan engagement and potentially rekindle sponsorship interest as the company aims to build upon its remarkable legacy. The excitement surrounding the hypercar is already stimulating conversation among fans and critics alike, eager to see how Ford leverages its extensive history to make waves anew.
Ford’s return marks the beginning of what promises to be an exciting chapter, both for the company and fans of endurance racing. With the engine of nostalgia revving up, this iconic brand looks poised not just to participate, but to battle for supremacy once again at Le Mans. The legacy of victories, rivalries, and technological advancements are all set to be revisited as the countdown to 2027 begins, raising the question: will Ford reclaim its throne at the legendary race?