What engines did the Le Mans offer?
Both the base LeMans and the GTO had a few choices when it came to their engines, with the base LeMans offering either a 215-cubic-inch inline six-cylinder engine capable of producing 140 horsepower or a 326-cubic-inch V8 rated at 280 horsepower. The 429 cubic inch V8 engine delivered 375 horsepower—decent but not earth-shattering. More impressive with the 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 was the fact that the car was hand-built, owing to the fact that the engine wouldn’t fit into a standard Mustang without extensive modifications.In 1966, Ford unleashed the 7. V8, a NASCAR-bred powerhouse, in the GT40 Mark II. Delivering around 485 horsepower and massive torque, this engine clinched a historic 1-2-3 finish at Le Mans that year.
What engine was in the 1966 GT40 Le Mans?
In 1966, Ford unleashed the 7. V8, a NASCAR-bred powerhouse, in the GT40 Mark II. Delivering around 485 horsepower and massive torque, this engine clinched a historic 1-2-3 finish at Le Mans that year. In 1966, Ford made its mark at Le Mans with a historic 1-2-3 finish. The GT40s swept the podium, dethroning Ferrari after years of dominance at the race. The victory was a turning point, establishing the Ford GT40 as one of the most iconic racing cars in history.
Who really won Le Mans in 1966?
Indeed, at the start of the race McLaren was one slot / space behind Miles. This was all unbeknownst to the Ford team. They were under the impression that Miles had won the race, but McLaren was indeed declared the 1966 Le Mans winner. Excerpted from UK Racing History Although obediently staged by the drivers, history records that the finish wasn’t a dead heat because the #1 Miles/Hulme car was two spots ahead of the #2 McLaren/Amon car on the grid, therefore car #2 had technically traveled further in the 24 hours, and was declared the winner.
Did Ken Miles ever win Le Mans?
British-born Ken Miles was a gifted race car engineer and driver. Through his work for Carroll Shelby, Miles got involved in Ford’s GT racing program. Miles won the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1966, and he placed second at Le Mans. Miles died in a crash while testing Ford’s J-Car later that year. This was all unbeknownst to the Ford team. They were under the impression that Miles had won the race, but McLaren was indeed declared the 1966 Le Mans winner. In a 1997 interview Shelby lamented the ACO made up rule and that indeed Ken Miles won the race and feelings of guilt about what had occurred.