Le Mans ‘66 Henry Ford, honorary starter in ’66, waved the flag to open the chapter of the story he had been so desperate to author. The real life Le Mans ’66 ended with a historic finish: Ford trounced the frontrunner Ferrari as all three Ford cars crossed the finish line in a dead heat. Christian Bale as Ken Miles with Noah Jupe as his son Peter in the new movie Le Mans ’66 But when Enzo Ferrari refused his generous offer, he turned instead to a … “I was very careful not to break a leg running across the track and clambering into the car,” Bruce McLaren said. Chris Amon and Bruce McLaren became the first winners at the 24 Hours to do so at an average speed over 200 kph. McLaren took home first place with his partner Chris Amon (not pictured) while Denny Hulme and Ken Miles placed second. Bruce McLaren controversially shades Ken Miles as the chequered flag is waved at Le Mans in 1966 Photo: The Cahier Collection, Bernard Cahier Ford dominated the Le Mans 24 Hours race in 1966, winning it for the first time, and taking all the podium places with its updated MkII and stellar driver line-up. He took his silver-striped black Ford safely along the pit wall instead of barging out into the traffic stream. Leading from the start, Fords quickly established a lead, although Ken Miles’ collision with John Whitmore’s Alan Mann Racing Ford brought him into the pits at the end of lap one. The traditional Le Mans running start was still used in 1966. Bruce McLaren was the first to admit that he had mixed feelings about Le Mans, but the race wasn’t just a chance to earn some useful pocket money, as it was for many F1 drivers. Both men drove for Ford on different teams at the 1966 Le Mans. 8 – Chris Amon and Bruce McLaren both participated in the 24 Hours of Le Mans eight times.