Start of the 24 Heures du Mans (24 Hours of Le Mans) Race, June 1967

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Artifact Overview

The "Le Mans start" was one of the French endurance race's more unusual customs. Drivers started on their feet, across the track from their respective cars. When the flag dropped, they ran to their vehicles, scrambled inside, and started the cars -- often not bothering to strap in until they were underway. Safety concerns ended the Le Mans start after 1969.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Digital image

Subject Date

10 June 1967 - 11 June 1967

Collection Title

Location

By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center

Object ID

2009.158.317.3334

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Technique

Digital imaging

Color

Black-and-white (Colors)

Dimensions

Height: 1204 pixel
Width: 1795 pixel
Resolution: 72 dpi
Depth: 24 bit

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    Ford at Le Mans in 1967

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    Ford Motor Company returned to Le Mans for a rematch with Ferrari in 1967. While Ford bested the Italians with the GT40 Mark II in 1966, this time it fielded an all-new car. Dan Gurney and A.J. Foyt piloted a Ford Mark IV around the Circuit de la Sarthe for 24 brutal hours. The two drivers, like the crew members and Ford executives there with them, hoped all the while that neither they nor their machine would break under the strain.