Quick Summary
Car designer Carroll Shelby and driver Ken Miles clash in their quest to create a revolutionary Ford race car. The fact‑based drama, starring Matt Damon and Christian Bale, follows their intense competition. It presents a dramatised yet factual portrayal of their rivalry.
About This Program ✦
Le Mans ’66 is a programme presented in the form of a feature‑length film. Classified as a movie, it falls squarely within the drama genre, offering a cinematic experience that centres on a historic automotive challenge. The title signals its connection to the famous 24‑hour race at Le Mans, though the description focuses on the behind‑the‑scenes effort. The story follows car designer Carroll Shelby and racing driver Ken Miles as they join forces to craft a groundbreaking racing machine for the Ford Motor Company. Their collaboration turns into a fierce contest, each pushing the limits of engineering and speed in an attempt to produce a vehicle that will redefine competition. The narrative is rooted in real events, presenting a fact‑based drama that tracks the ambitions and pressures surrounding the project. By grounding the plot in actual history, the programme aims to portray the stakes and challenges faced by the team, highlighting how their pursuit of innovation intersected with corporate expectations. The film features performances by Matt Damon and Christian Bale, who portray the central figures driving the endeavour forward. Their involvement adds a recognisable face to the retelling, helping to convey the determination and rivalry that characterised the effort to bring a revolutionary race car to life under Ford’s banner.
Le Mans '66 broadcasts on Film4 +1 at 7:00pm, Monday, 2 February 2026. (Subtitles)


