Fantastic Video – 8 Meters: Triumph, Tragedy, and a Photo Finish At Le Mans


Fantastic Video – 8 Meters: Triumph, Tragedy, and a Photo Finish At Le Mans

It is one of the most iconic moments in American motorsports history. It is one of the most iconic photos in American motorsports history, but we’re guessing there’s things you don’t know about what was happening when three GT40s crossed the finish line together at Le Mans in 1966 nor do you know the aftermath of it, either. This is the story of how even the most wonderful moments in racing can also be tinged with frustration, anger, and abject confusion. It is a story about planning and about unintended consequences. It is a story about Ken Miles and it is a story about 8 meters.

When Ford knew that they had the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans in the bag they went to their teams and essentially orchestrated a 1-2-3 finish that would ultimately be featured on magazine covers the world over. What they did not understand is that the rules for the race were setup in such a way that a “dead heat” was impossible and would not be tolerated.

This is the story of how the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans finished and it is enthralling. The professionally shot documentary film gets first hand accounts from the men that were on the spot as this moment happened. Heck, even Chris Amon, the legendary racer and a member of Team Ford in ’65 is featured in this one. He brings some amazing racer perspective to the whole thing.

Ford scored another major PR coup when the new GT went out and won at Le Mans this year, five decades to the weekend as the original triumph. The stakes were higher in 1966 and this film does a great job sharing those stakes and the meaning a Ford victory had at the 1966 event. The world was a different place then but the goal was the same. Win. This is a fantastic film.

Press play for one of the most interesting racing films of the year – amazing stuff


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One thought on “Fantastic Video – 8 Meters: Triumph, Tragedy, and a Photo Finish At Le Mans

  1. ZZ

    Thanks Brian I’m an old Chevy guy and remember this in the day. Loved Ford kicking Ferraris ass. Great back story had no idea about Ken Miles.

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