Ford GT40 MK.1 Yellow 1968 1:18

In the spring of 1963, Ford learned from a European intermediary that Enzo Ferrari, who was experiencing financial difficulties, might be interested in selling his company. Ford then spent several million dollars on a complete accounting and financial audit of the Italian company and on legal fees, but Ferrari withdrew from the negotiations at the last minute. Enzo Ferrari, who wanted to retain sole management of the competition department, refused a clause that would have prevented him from racing at the Indianapolis 500 and, in a fit of anger, abruptly cancelled the sale project.

Vexed, Henry Ford II decided to create a car that could compete with the Prancing Horse marque. He contacted three British manufacturers: Lotus, Lola and Cooper. Cooper was in decline and Lola had a prototype that had already competed at Le Mans, the Lola GT Mk6 with a Ford engine in the rear mid-engine compartment. The car was no more and no less than a Formula 1 car with a fibreglass body. Ford, which helped integrate the engine, bought two chassis. Naturally, the British designer Eric Broadley, owner of Lola Cars, was chosen under an 18-month contract to design the GT40. Thanks to numerous modifications and the preparation carried out over the following years by Carroll Shelby's team, the Ford team was able to rise to the challenge, beating Ferrari on its home turf, notably at Le Mans.