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The Academy Award-winning movie Ford v Ferrari is brought its magic to the Carroll Shelby Foundation at Carroll Shelby Enterprises on the borders of Gardena and Carson, Calif., where a Saturday celebration of the film, the cars and the people responsible for both the victory at Le Mans and the resultant film lured a crowd of hundreds - and their Shelby (and other) sports cars.
After picking up the prestigious prizes for film and sound editing, the film is being lauded as one of the best racing stories ever made, with its emphasis on the singular details that made up the rivalry between the American Ford and Italian Ferrari cars.
The production used period cars and only a single occurrence of computer-aided graphics; nearly all of the stunts were performed by experienced drivers or by stunt performers. Some of the drivers in the movie are sons of the original participants, including Alex Gurney, son of All American Racers’ Dan Gurney, Derek Hill, son of America’s first Formula One champion and a three-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner, as well as Jeff Bucknum, son of Ronnie, who was part of the Ford team during the period depicted in this film.
The Ford GT40s, built in Southern California by Carroll Shelby’s team (including Shelby Cobra coupe designer Peter Brock and Phil Remington, widely recognized as one of the most astute mechanics in all of motorsports) have been renowned since their appearances at Le Mans and two modern reconstructions have been made by Ford. The most recent is still in production - and a winner on the racetrack.
As Shelby Cobras and Mustangs roared into the grounds of the Carroll Shelby Foundation, they took up places outside in the luscious, warm sunshine as music played and champagne sprayed. Inside, participants were able to conduct virtual pit stops made to resemble those at the French racing circuit.
Fans were able to get signed posters from the movie and look at recreations of Shelby’s original workshops, while former Shelby American crew members Jim Marietta, Jim O’Leary, photographer Dave Friedman and crew man Ted Sutton discussed their time working with the lanky Texan, Carroll Shelby.
Ford v Ferrari has piqued the interest of fans and made new fans with the portrayals of Ken Miles by Christian Bale and Matt Damon’s portrayal of Shelby. Neither of those actors was at this celebration for the film; the cars parked here, both inside and out, were the stars.
Ronnie Bucknum, who finished third in 1966 in a GT40 Ford, is portrayed in the film by racer Tanner Foust. Jeff Bucknum, son of Ronnie, who was born and raised in Southern California and who has raced in the Indy Racing League (now INDYCAR), was hired after Foust as one of the many stunt drivers who practiced their craft at race tracks around the USA and on closed public roads, all of which doubled as the eight-mile Le Mans race circuit.
Bucknum, who credited stunt coordinater Robert Nagle for the reality of the racing scenes, reported that the film crew members were very aware that driving some of the older cars at race speeds was more dangerous. “Robert made sure everything was done properly to help make it safer for us,” he said. He told tales of how Bale made the proper corrections as he “drove” a car mounted on a flatbed and how Bale experienced the nearby Porsche Experience Center prior to taking part in the film.
Ford v Ferrari is available to see in theaters, as well as for digital download. The film may be purchased in 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD versions.
Fans sprayed champagne!
Gulf Wyer Ford GT40.
Jeff Bucknum talks about stunt driving in the movie.
Jim Marietta, Jim O'Leary, Dave Friedman and Ted Sutton.
