Ford Frontrunner
In Ferrari’s 1966 yearbook, an introductory note written by Enzo Ferrari said, “This year we were finally beaten at Le Mans.” Ford’s win in Le Mans had an impact on Ferrari’s business; they ended up selling 50% of the company to Fiat. Ford cars continued to win for four years in a row. The focus on winning races improved the livelihoods of Ford’s racing teams, crews, and factory workers' wives and children.
At the 1967 Le Mans, Ford won again with an American car and all American drivers behind the wheel. The New York Times called it an “All American Victory” and a “cakewalk.” Just two days after Ford's second consecutive win at Le Mans, Henry Ford II, launched a new company, under the umbrella of his corporation, Ford of Europe Incorporated. Chrsyler followed shortly after creating their European branch in 1978. General Motors also took note of this and invested more money into there European business platform.
Ford’s journey to winning at Le Mans as an American automobile manufacturer – as well as taking down Ferrari – was an experience like no other.
Fords win at Le Mans 1967 winning podium, 1967, MotorSportImages.com
Ford of Europe Inc. first internationally successful car, 1976, FordCorporate.com.
"Henry Ford II saw a massive opportunity among car buyers in Europe. After winning Le Mans in 1966 and in 1967, Ford launched a new company—Ford of Europe. It proved fabulously successful."
-A.J. Baime, author of Go Like Hell
"If counted together, the 1965 model would have sold roughly 686,000 units. The 1966 coupe model still holds the record as the best-selling Mustang of all time, accounting for nearly 500,000 of that year’s sales."
- C.J. Tragakis, author of "Mustangs Sales by Year"
Chart showing the success of Mustang sales in 1966, 2023, cjponyparts.com.