FORD v FERRARI | Movie | 2019

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Overview

Academy Award-winners Matt Damon and Christian Bale star in FORD v FERRARI, based on the true story of the visionary American car designer Carroll Shelby (Damon) and the fearless British-born driver Ken Miles (Bale), who together battled corporate interference, the laws of physics, and their own personal demons to build a revolutionary race car for Ford Motor Company and take on the dominating race cars of Enzo Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France in 1966. (Director: James Mangold)

Time Period: Based in the mid-1960s

Ford v. Ferrari (also known as Le Mans '66) is based in the mid-1960s focusing on the true story of Ford's attempt to build a race car to defeat Ferrari at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans, highlighting the rivalry that began in 1963 after a failed Ferrari buyout attempt by Ford. In essence, the story spans from Ford's initial snub in the early '60s to the dramatic events of the 1966 Le Mans race, capturing a pivotal moment in automotive racing history.

Early 1960s (1963-1964): The rivalry ignites when Henry Ford II tries to buy Ferrari, but Enzo Ferrari insults him, leading to Ford's decision to build a car to beat Ferrari at Le Mans.
Mid-1960s (1966): The film culminates with the development of the Ford GT40 by Carroll Shelby's team (including Ken Miles) and their ultimate confrontation with Ferrari at the iconic 1966 Le Mans race.