Is Ford vs Ferrari a True Story? Check the Plot Here
by Venkatesh P
Updated Jun 27, 2023
Ford v Ferrari: A Biographical Sports Drama
Ford v Ferrari, alternatively titled Le Mans '66 in select European countries, is a 2019 biographical sports drama film helmed by James Mangold and penned by Jez Butterworth, John-Henry Butterworth, and Jason Keller. The movie features notable actors Matt Damon and Christian Bale in the lead roles, supported by a cast including Jon Bernthal, Caitríona Balfe, Tracy Letts, Josh Lucas, Noah Jupe, Remo Girone, and Ray McKinnon.
In terms of box office performance, Ford v Ferrari achieved a gross of $117.6 million in the United States and Canada, and an additional $107.9 million in other international territories, resulting in a worldwide total of $225.5 million.
During its release in the United States and Canada, the film shared its opening weekend with Charlie's Angels and The Good Liar. Projections estimated an initial gross of $23-30 million from 3,528 theatres. On its first day, the film earned $10.9 million, including $2.1 million from Thursday night previews. Ultimately, it debuted with a strong opening of $31.5 million, securing the top spot at the box office.
In the second weekend, the film experienced a 50% decline with earnings of $15.7 million, ranking second behind the new release Frozen II. During its third weekend, Ford v Ferrari collected $13.2 million (including $19 million over the five-day Thanksgiving frame), securing a third-place position. The film maintained its popularity in the subsequent weeks, earning $6.7 million and $4.1 million during its fourth and fifth weekends, respectively.
Ford v Ferrari made its world premiere at the Telluride Film Festival on August 30, 2019, and was subsequently screened at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 9, 2019. The film received its theatrical release in the United States on November 15, following a previous scheduled release date of June 28. The first trailer for the film premiered on June 2, 2019, during Game 2 of the 2019 NBA Finals.
Is Ford vs Ferrari a True Story?
Ford v Ferrari, directed by James Mangold, is a cinematic adaptation based on a true story. The film revolves around the renowned 24-hour endurance race known as the Le Mans, which took place in 1966. The narrative primarily focuses on a team of skilled automotive engineers enlisted by Ford Motor Company to create a racing car capable of surpassing Ferrari's dominant presence at the esteemed 24 Hours of Le Mans competition in France.
Leading the Ford team is the visionary automotive designer Carroll Shelby, while the British race car driver Ken Miles plays a pivotal role in their pursuit of victory. The characters of Carroll Shelby and Ken Miles are portrayed by Matt Damon and Christian Bale, respectively, in the film.
Now that the veracity of Ford v Ferrari as a true story has been established, it is worth exploring the present status of both Ford and Ferrari. Ford continues to strive in the production of high-performance models, with one of their most iconic offerings being the Ford GT.
This particular vehicle draws inspiration from the legendary Ford GT40 Le Mans race car. On the other hand, Ferrari maintains its reputation as a manufacturer of exceptional automobiles that consistently push the boundaries of engineering excellence.
Among Ferrari's notable models is the Ferrari SF90 Stradale, which features a plug-in hybrid powertrain delivering an impressive output of nearly 1,000 horsepower. In our assessment, the Ferrari SF90 Stradale occupies a league of its own. However, let us examine the objective data for both the Ferrari SF90 Stradale and the Ford GT to provide a comprehensive comparison.
Ford vs Ferrari Plot
In 1963, Lee Iacocca, the Vice President of Ford Motor Company, presents a proposal to Henry Ford II. The suggestion aims to increase car sales by acquiring the prominent Italian car manufacturer Ferrari, known for its dominance in the 24 Hours of Le Mans race.
However, Enzo Ferrari, the owner of Ferrari, utilizes Ford's offer to negotiate a deal with Fiat, allowing him to maintain ownership of Scuderia Ferrari, the racing team associated with the company. In a disrespectful manner, Ferrari insults Henry Ford II and the entire Ford Motor Company. Outraged, Ford instructs his racing division to construct a car capable of defeating Ferrari at Le Mans.
To accomplish this task, Iacocca enlists the expertise of Carroll Shelby, the owner of Shelby American and a retired race car driver who previously won Le Mans in 1959. Shelby, in turn, brings on board his hot-tempered British friend and mechanical engineer, Ken Miles. Together, Shelby and Miles collaborate on developing the Ford GT40 Mk I prototype, which is constructed in the United Kingdom at the Los Angeles International Airport.
During the launch event of the new Ford Mustang, a rivalry between Miles and Ford Senior Vice President Leo Beebe ignites when Miles delivers a scathing critique of the vehicle due to Beebe's refusal to allow Miles's son, Peter, to touch the car. Beebe subsequently campaigns against sending Miles to the 1965 24 Hours of Le Mans race, viewing him as a liability to the company's public image.
Shelby excludes Miles from the team and instead sends Phil Hill and Bruce McLaren to compete at Le Mans. Unfortunately, none of the Ford cars manage to finish the race. When Ford questions Shelby about his performance and contemplates firing him, Shelby explains that despite the GT40's reliability issues, it instilled fear in Enzo Ferrari when it reached a speed of 218 mph (350.8 km/h) on the Mulsanne Straight before experiencing a breakdown.
Shelby emphasizes that designing a racing car cannot be accomplished through a committee. Impressed by Shelby's conviction, Ford grants him permission to continue the project, reporting directly to him. However, during testing of the GT40 Mk II, the team encounters a recurring problem with brake fade, leading to a crash and subsequent fire. They discover that the race rules permit the replacement of the entire brake assembly during the competition.
In 1966, Beebe assumes control of the racing division. As Beebe and Ford visit the program for inspection, Shelby locks Beebe in his office and takes Ford on a ride in the GT40 to showcase its capabilities. Shelby strikes a deal with Ford: if Miles wins the 24 Hours of Daytona race, he will be allowed to participate at Le Mans. Otherwise, Ford will gain full ownership of Shelby American.
At Daytona, Beebe introduces a second GT40 supported by a NASCAR team with faster pit stops. Shelby authorizes Miles to push his car beyond the 7,000 RPM redline, resulting in a victory for Miles. During the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans race, Miles encounters trouble with a faulty door in the first lap. The pit crew quickly resolves the issue, enabling Miles to set lap records as he catches up to the Ferraris.
However, the GT40 experiences brake fade while engaging in a close battle with Lorenzo Bandini's prototype 330 P3 Ferrari. Miles is forced to limp into the pits for a complete replacement of the braking system. Although Ferrari protests, Shelby assures race officials that the action is within the rules.
Miles and Bandini engage in an intense duel on the Mulsanne Straight until the Ferrari engine ultimately fails. With Ford cars securing the top three positions, Beebe instructs Shelby to have Miles slow down to allow the other Fords to catch up, ensuring a staged three-car photo finish for the press. Shelby communicates Beebe's request to Miles but leaves the final decision to him.
Initially, Miles continues to set new lap records but ultimately decides to comply on the final lap.
Bruce McLaren is declared the winner as his car, having started behind Miles, traveled a greater distance overall. Miles is awarded second place. Shelby accuses Beebe of intentionally sabotaging Miles' chance of winning, but an unusually composed Miles lets it pass, stating to Shelby, "You promised me the drive, not the win."
As Enzo Ferrari observes the track, he respectfully acknowledges Miles' performance. Walking away together, Miles assures Shelby that they will emerge victorious at Le Mans in the future.
Two months later, during testing at Riverside International Raceway, Miles tragically loses his life in a crash caused by a mechanical failure in the J-car. Six months after the incident, Shelby parks outside Miles' widow Mollie's house, hesitating before taking action. At that moment, Miles' son, Peter, arrives, and the two engage in a conversation about Miles. Shelby presents Peter with a wrench that Miles once hurled at him in anger.
The epilogue text reveals that Ford continued its winning streak at Le Mans in 1967, 1968, and 1969, while Miles was posthumously honored with induction into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2001.
Where to Watch Ford vs Ferrari?
Currently, "Ford v Ferrari" can be streamed on two major platforms, namely Hulu Plus and fuboTV. These streaming services allow users to access the film directly through their subscription plans. "Ford v Ferrari" is a highly acclaimed film that can be enjoyed by movie enthusiasts on various streaming platforms.
Alternatively, viewers have the option to rent or purchase the film from several online platforms. Amazon Instant Video, Google Play, iTunes, and Vudu offer users the opportunity to either rent or purchase "Ford v Ferrari" for immediate viewing. These platforms require users to create an account and provide payment information in order to complete the rental or purchase transaction.
In conclusion, "Ford v Ferrari" can be enjoyed through various streaming and purchasing options. Subscribers of Hulu Plus and fuboTV can stream the film as part of their subscription. Additionally, viewers can choose to rent or purchase the film from popular online platforms such as Amazon Instant Video, Google Play, iTunes, and Vudu. These platforms offer the convenience of immediate access to the film, albeit through a rental or purchase process.
Is Ford vs Ferrari a true story? - FAQ
Yes, Ford v Ferrari is a cinematic adaptation based on a true story. It revolves around the 1966 Le Mans race and the efforts of Ford Motor Company to defeat Ferrari's dominance.
Ford v Ferrari grossed $117.6 million in the United States and Canada, and an additional $107.9 million in international territories, resulting in a worldwide total of $225.5 million.
Ford v Ferrari premiered at the Telluride Film Festival on August 30, 2019, and was subsequently screened at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 9, 2019.
Currently, "Ford v Ferrari" can be streamed on two major platforms, namely Hulu Plus and fuboTV.
Ford continues to produce high-performance models, including the iconic Ford GT inspired by the Ford GT40 Le Mans race car. Ferrari, on the other hand, maintains its reputation for engineering excellence with models like the Ferrari SF90 Stradale, a plug-in hybrid powerhouse