Joining the celebration will be many owners of the new Ford GT, the rare 21st century supercar inspired by the original Ford GT40. Sold by Ford to just 101 customers in Europe, and developed as a result of Ford's global centennial celebrations in 2003, the new Ford GT carries the key strands of the DNA of the Ford GT40 forward for new generations. A convoy of Ford GT owners from Britain, Germany, Switzerland and France is expected to attend the event, along with owners who have independently imported Ford GTs to Europe. Off the circuit, the Le Mans Classic 2006 is expected to draw the owners of scores of GT40 replicas as well. Thanks to the efforts of specialist manufacturers, even today enthusiasts can get a taste of the GT40 zeitgeist through building and owning a replica, some of which are astonishingly true to the design and construction of the original cars.Ford of Europe will also participate with its own roadgoing GT40 Mk III, chassis number M3/1107, which has been in Ford's hands as a press demonstrator since new in 1969. It is one of only seven GT40 road cars ever built.
FAMOUS FORD GT40 VICTORY CELEBRATED AT THE LE MANS CLASSIC
Ford GT40 race car in 1966 Le Mans winning colours
Le Mans, France, July 7-9 2006 - This summer is the 40th anniversary of Ford's historic 1-2-3 finish at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the Ford GT40. The anniversary will be celebrated in style at the 2006 Le Mans Classic event.On Sunday, June 19, 1966, a trio of sleek Ford GT Mark II endurance racers crossed a rain-soaked finish line at the famous La Sarthe circuit in Le Mans, convincingly achieving Ford's goal of beating Ferrari to the ultimate international racing success.
