During this period, Ferrari dominated both events before being overshadowed by Ford at Le Mans. In the 1960s and 1970s, four drivers added these two races to their win records: Olivier Gendebien, Jean Guichet, Lucien Bianchi et Gérard Larrousse.

Ferrari 250 GT, the queen - The 250 GT and its different variations (Lusso, Boano, GTB and GTO) firmly established the marque's reputation, on the road and on the track. Following Alfonso de Portago's win in 1956, "Tour de France" was added to the car's name. From 1957 to 1959, three consecutive victories on French roads were won by Belgian driver Olivier Gendebien, and he even claimed the top step on the podium at the Tour de France Automobile and Le Mans in 1958 before becoming the first four-time winner at the 24 Hours. The 250 GT continued its winning streak at the Tour de France Automobile, remaining undefeated until 1962, and achieved impressive results - including two class victories - at the 24 Hours in 1960 (4th, 5th, 6th and 7th) and 1961 (3rd, 6th) before being replaced by the legendary GTO.

Ford GT40, a French tale - In the second half of the 1960s, the GT40 spearheaded Ford's offensive against Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, winning four times in a row: in 1966 with the Mk II, in 1967 with the Mk IV, and in 1968 and 1969 with the Mk I. The 1969 victory was secured thanks to a stunning performance by Jacky Ickx, who after refusing to run to his car at the start, eventually took the lead in the final lap and won the race by a few hundred meters. Since the launch of the vintage version of Tour Auto in 1992, the Ford GT40 has enjoyed a true rebirth on French roads, with eight wins, most recently in 2017.

PHOTO (Copyright - Mathieu Bonnevie/Peter Auto)