Paris Motor Show 2008Paris Motor Show, 4-19th October 2008

Ford GT40

Few legends are better known in the world of motorsport than the reasoning behind why the Ford GT40 came about. Henry Ford was in talks with Enzo Ferrari with a view to buying the famous Italian company. A notoriously tricky operator, Enzo Ferrari pulled out of the deal at the last minute and Henry Ford was so enraged he decided to take on Ferrari on the track. The GT40 was developed with the help of Lola, the blue oval badged cars racing at Le Mans for a few years before being victorious at the French endurance event four years running from 1966 to 1969.

The GT40 dominated the 1966 event, taking the first three positions and crossing the line in formation. That 1-2-3 finish itself was clouded in controversy, as Ford issued team orders to prevent its drivers from racing to the flag. It remains one of the most iconic and loved sports cars ever to be produced, the GT40 a bona-fide Le Mans legend.

Wednesday June 18

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