Why Did it Matter?
Bruce Mclaren in 4th position Le Mans, 1967, MotorSportsImages.
Ford's entry into racing demonstrated the power, quality and excitement of Ford vehicles at a point in its history when it could have ceased to exist. Since its introduction of the Model T and invention of the assembly line, Ford was a constant innovator in the automobile industry. Its victory over Ferrari at Le Mans was another redefining moment.
Today, Ford has won all six of the world's “Great Races,” including Le Mans in 1966 and subsequent years – a pivotal strategy that opened new markets everywhere, especially in Europe and created more models, like the Mustangs still sold today.
Had it not survived in the 60s – America would not have one of the Big Three automakers in existence today with worldwide impact. According to Ford Corporation, Ford employs the most hourly auto workers in America and it assembles more vehicles in the United States than any other automaker.
Victory after the win at the 1967 Le Mans, 1967,
MotorSportsImages.com
"Ford was attempting to reinvent itself, hoping to recruit a massive new generation of car buyers. Le Mans was the most famous sports car race in the world, and a race (in France) that no American car company had ever won. By doing what had never been done—winning Le Mans—Henry Ford II and his team believed they could make a major statement to the world: Buy Ford cars because they are the best!"
-A.J. Baime, Author of Go Like Hell
A.J. Baime, 2023, UNH Magazine.
"We might say that a major piece of this storied American company's heritage would not exist. Victory at Le Mans helped fuel passion among Ford Mustang buyers in particular. Would new Ford Mustangs even exist on roads today, if not for these racing victories at Le Mans? Possibly not."
-A.J. Baime, author of Go Like Hell