To celebrate the 50th year since Ferrari claimed victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the ACO Heritage department put on a special display at this year’s Le Mans chronicling and showcasing the rivalry between Ferrari and Ford that lasted four years.

As part of the display, some of the firm’s finest models were displayed. On the Ferrari side of things were a 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO replica, Ferrari 275 LM, 330 P, 330 P3, 330 P4 and the 1967 Ferrari transporter/workshop truck.

In the Ford camp was a 1964 Ford GT40 Mk I, 1965 GT40 Mk I,1966 GT40 Mk II replica, a genuine 1966 GT40 Mk II as well as a 1967 GT40 and a 1968 GT40.

From 2016, Ford and Ferrari will be going head-to-head at Le Mans once again. While racing in the GTE category rather than the top class as they once did, seeing the new Ford GT racer and the 458 Italia race cars competing next year should be exhilarating.

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“2015 marks the 50th anniversary of the last victory of a Ferrari at Le Man. The ACO Heritage department is devoting its traditional exhibition of historic cars to the Italian make by highlighting the thrilling duel between the Prancing Horse and Ford that lasted four years.

In 1963 Ford’s (America’s iconic make) best engineers got down to designing an innovative car, the GT 40 for the 1964 Le Mans 24 Hours, to challenge Ferrari which dominated racing in the Sarthe. Early on the Fords were very quick but suffered from poor reliability and they were unable to pose a threat to the fearsome Italian cars. But the Americans came back the following years and the intensity of the battle was fanned by the personal rivalry between Enzo Ferrari and Henry Ford II. Thus, from 1964 to 1967, the two manufacturers went at it hammer and tongs and their duel has forever been associated with one of the most glorious eras in the history of the Le Mans 24 Hours!

In an original 60s’ decor the spectators can see the fabulous cars that have forged the legend. Numerous objects and archives from different collections will complete the setting. Original drawings from the cartoon book published on 29th October 2014 by the Editions Glénat in collaboration with the ACO devoted to the Ford-Ferrari duel will also be on show.

Some 15 of these legendary cars will be on display (subject to modification)

• Ferrari 250 GTO 1963, Replica

• Shelby Cobra Daytona 1964

• Ferrari 275 LM, 6th at Le Mans in 1965

• Ferrari 330 P

• Ferrari 330 P3 1966

• Ferrari 330 P4 Le Mans 1967

• Camion HY Marchal

• 1967 Le Mans Ferrari transporter/workshop

• Ford GT40 Mk I 1964

• Ford GT40 Mk I Le Mans 1965

• Ford GT40 Mk II, Replica of the 1966 winner

• Ford GT40 Mk II, 3rd at Le Mans in 1966

• Ford GT40 Mk IV Le Mans 1967

• Ford GT40 Mk II Le Mans 1968

They can be seen in the marquee on the Place de l’Ancien Musée in the Le Mans 24-Hours village (entry free).

And to give all these cars that are all in a perfect state even more visibility, they will take part in a parade at 12h30 before the start of the 83rd Le Mans 24 Hours.

Opening hours:

Wednesday 10th and Thursday 11th June: 14h00 – midnight

Friday 12th June: 10h00 – midnight

Saturday 13th June: 17h00 – midnight

Sunday 14th June: 9h00 – 15h00

En attendant les 24 Heures

The première of the film En attendant les 24 Heures will take place on Wednesday 3rd June in the Cinéma Pathé Le Mans, place des Quinconces. This 52-minute documentary made by Bertrand Guerry in partnership with the Centre National de la Cinématographie, France 3 Pays de la Loire and with the backing of the ACO shows what the Le Mans 24 Hours are all about through different viewpoints.

Beyond the race itself this film takes a more human look at those who make this event such a legend: marshals, volunteers, journalists, spectators, etc. are highlighted in this documentary. It was shot before and during the 2014 race and describes all the aspects of the Le Mans 24 Hours.

Through the eyes of Christian Monchâtre, a volunteer on the ACO 72 departmental commission who has not missed the Le Mans 24-Hours since 1968, the viewers will learn all about other facets of the greatest endurance race in the world.

Showings:

Cinema : Pathé Le Mans :

• Wednesday 3rd June: premiere at 20h00 (free, reservation advisable : [email protected]

• From Friday 5th to Friday 12th June (tariff 6.50€)

Television:

• Saturday 6th June on France 3 Pays de la Loire et Bretagne à 15h20

• Monday 8th June France 3 Pays de la Loire, Bretagne, Haute et Basse Normandie, Paris Île-de-France et Centre at 08h50”

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