Ford vs. Ferrari: The Real Ending and Hollywood Alterations

For many, the ending of Ford vs. Ferrari was both a satisfying climax to Christian Bale’s character, Ken Miles, and a fitting tribute to Ford and Carroll Shelby. However, the truth behind the ending differs significantly from the movie's interpretation. Let's delve into the real story behind Ford vs. Ferrari and explore the discrepancies with the Hollywood adaptation.

The Real Ending of Ford vs. Ferrari

Ken Miles, played by Christian Bale, was tragically killed during a testing crash of the GT40 race car in 1966. This event marked the end of an era for both the driver and the team. The movie ends with Miles’ son, Peter, receiving the wrench that was thrown earlier, and Shelby driving off with his newest creation. This scene was a creative liberties taken by the filmmakers, more so than a factual account of events.

A Different Fork in the Road

Before the start of the rivalry, Ford was on the brink of bankruptcy. Henry Ford II, grandson of the company’s founder, had a vision for transforming Ford into a racing powerhouse. They sought to buy Ferrari, but the negotiations fell through, leaving Ford to pursue its own path to glory at Le Mans. Their ultimate goal was to defeat Ferrari, securing Ford's European appeal and proving that American engineering could compete with Italian expertise.

The Early Struggles and Success

To understand the full scope of Ford vs. Ferrari, we must revisit the early days of the GT40 project. Ford hired Carroll Shelby and Ken Miles to build a race car that could challenge Ferrari at Le Mans. In 1964, despite having the GT40, Ford failed to win at Le Mans. This set the stage for their next attempt in 1965, where the GT40s would prove to be a formidable opponent.

The 1965 Championships and Beyond

That year, Ken Miles led the Ford GT40 to victory, marking a significant milestone for the team. Miles was a key figure, both as an engineer and a driver, essential for the success of the GT40 project. Ford’s GT40s dominated at various races, including the Daytona 24 Hours, both in 1965 and 1966, solidifying their status as a serious contender.

The Climax at Le Mans 1966

At the fateful Le Mans in 1966, Ken Miles once again led the way, with Ford GT40s crossing the finish line in first, second, and third places. Despite Miles’ commanding lead, he allowed the other two cars to come in together, a strategic move to secure Ford’s victory. Tragically, during this race, Miles’ car crashed, ending his racing career and life.

Beyond Ford vs. Ferrari

Ken Miles’ untimely death marked the end of an era for the GT40 and the Ford team. His predecessor, Carroll Shelby, took the reins and continued to develop the car. The legacy of Ford vs. Ferrari lived on through Shelby, who continued to produce high-performance cars under the Shelby brand, forever linked to the GT40’s victory.

Conclusion

The story of Ford vs. Ferrari is a tale of ambition, engineering, and human tragedy. While the movie captures the essence of the rivalry and the characters involved, it does take some creative liberties. Ken Miles, Ken Miles’ son, and Carroll Shelby were indeed involved in this incredible story, but the precise sequence of events and motivations are based more on historical facts than the fictionalized account in the movie.

Understanding the historical context and the real story behind Ford vs. Ferrari adds a layer of depth to the narrative and highlights the true significance of the event in automotive history.