The Shelby Daytona Coupe represented an unknown quantity at the start of Le Mans in 1964. John Ohlsen, shown peering around the volunteer wearing the white T-shirt, believed in the car. Photography Credit: Eric Della Faille
On a hot June afternoon in 1964, just days before the start of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, only one of Carroll Shelby’s two …
Le Mans sure had some unusual rules. Still does, to some extent.
Great story!
Loved this story! Some details I had not heard before. A great time in motor racing with some talented and persistent people pushing their ideas to success. Thanks.
In reply to slowbird :
That they did. Not mentioned is the "spare tire" and "suitcase" rules which mandated that the trunk had to have room for a certain size "suitcase" and that spare tire be carried and pulled out/hit the ground/reloaded on each pit stop...
In reply to slowbird :
That they did. Not mentioned is the "spare tire" and "suitcase" rules which mandated that the trunk had to have room for a certain size "suitcase" and that spare tire be carried and pulled out/hit the ground/reloaded on each pit stop...
Those were the days of having "guts" to win the glory! Two cars, and only one failed due to "rules" and a language barrier...
Peter: Full credit to you and the rest of the Shelby team for producing this remarkable car and for your success at Le Mans. I loved the story.
However, as to the Kammback tail, you might have mentioned that Briggs Cinnunham had introduced this idea to America with his C4RK version of his 1952 Le Mans cars. I'm sure that you know all about that car and that perhaps might have led you to study the German origins of this aerodynamic strategy.
You'll need to log in to post.
