A superb and rare photo of the magnificent Ford GT in the Prototype Unlimited class of the 24 Hours of Le Mans of 1966. The image was taken on the 19TH of June, 1966

 

#2 Ford GT40 Mk II of winners Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon crossed the finish line first, followed by the #1 Ford GT 40 MkII of Ken Miles and Denis Hulme that finished in 2ND place. The number 3 finisher was also a Ford GT 40 MkII , ridden by Ronnie Bucknum and Richard “ Dick “ Hutcherson. This #5 car was entered by Holman & Moody USA (Essex Wire Corporation, USA), the numbers 1 and 2 by “ Shelby American Inc. , USA “.

 

Coincidentally the first two finishers covered 360 laps, which is very rare after 24 hours of racing. The GT40MkII of Bucknum and Hutcherson covered 348 laps.

 

 

The Ford GT40 was a high performance sports car and winner of the 24 hours of Le Mans four times in a row, from 1966 to 1969 (in 1967 with a different body, though). It was built to win long-distance sports car races against Ferrari (who won at Le Mans six times in a row from 1960 to 1965). The GT40 GT-40P 1075 was the first car to win at Le Mans twice (in 1968 and 1969). That car used the Gurney Weslake engine with the special alloy heads made by Weslake. The car was named the GT (for Grand Tourisme) with the 40 representing its overall height of 40 inches (1.02 m, measured at the windshield) as required by the rules. Large displacement Ford V8 engines (4.7 L and 7 L) were used, compared with the Ferrari V12 which displaced 3.0 L or 4.0 L. Early cars were simply named "Ford GT". The name "GT40" was the name of Ford's project to prepare the cars for the international endurance racing circuit, and the quest to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The first 12 "prototype" vehicles carried serial numbers GT-101 through GT-112. The "production" began and the subsequent cars, the MkI, MkIIs, MkIIIs, and MkVs, numbered GT40-P-1000 through GT40-P-1145, were officially "GT40s". The name of Ford's project, and the serial numbers dispel the story that "GT40" was "only a nickname." The contemporary Ford GT is a modern homage to the GT40.

 

This is a very nice and very rare non period photo that reflects a wonderful era of Ford GT 40 and 24 Hours of Le Mans history in a wonderful way.  This is your rare chance to own this photo, therefore it is printed in a nice large format of ca. 8" x 12" (ca. 20 x 30 cm).  It makes it perfectly suitable for framing.

 


 



Shipping costs will only be $ 7.00 regardless of how many photos you buy.   For 5 or more photos, shipping is free!


 (Note: A. Herl, Inc. does not appear on photo, for ebay purposes only)


No copyright expressed or implied. Sold as collectable item only. We are clearing out our archives that we have gathered from various sources.


All items always sent well protected in PVC clear files and board backed envelopes.


 


We have photographs that came from professional collections and/or were bought from the original photographer or press studio! They are all of professional and excellent quality.


 


After many decades of professionally collecting photographs and posters we are clearing out our archives. They make the perfect gift and are perfectly suited for framing. They will look gorgeous unframed and will be a true asset nicely framed with a border. They are a gorgeous and great asset in every home, workshop, workplace, restaurant, bar or club!


 


First come - first served. And you can always contact us for your requests. Please ask any questions before the auction ends.