For motorsport enthusiasts, 2026 promises a once-in-a-decade spectacle. The three Ford GT Mk IIs that achieved the historic 1-2-3 finish at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans are set to appear together for the first time in ten years. Fans will have the rare opportunity to witness these icons not just on display, but in action at two of the world’s most celebrated motorsport events: the Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard and the Goodwood Revival.
The Festival of Speed will take place from Thursday, 9 July to Sunday, 12 July, followed by the Goodwood Revival from Friday, 18 September to Sunday, 20 September. Early bird tickets are available now at goodwood.com.
A Historic Reunion
The trio of Ford GT Mk IIs—chassis P/1046, P/1015, and P/1016—are steeped in racing lore. Driven by Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon, Ken Miles and Denny Hulme, and Ronnie Bucknum and Dick Hutcherson, these cars not only cemented Ford’s dominance over Ferrari at Le Mans in 1966 but also helped define an era of sports car racing.
During the Festival of Speed, the cars will ascend the iconic Goodwood Hill under the event’s theme, “The Rivals – Epic Racing Duels”. The timing is particularly symbolic, marking the 60th anniversary of the legendary Ford vs. Ferrari showdown, a battle fueled by the vision of Carroll Shelby and the ambition of Ford Motor Company.
Come September, fans will get another chance to experience the GT Mk IIs in motion at the historic Motor Circuit during Goodwood Revival. The event promises a rare spectacle of these classic machines racing as they did more than half a century ago.
Voices from the Legacy
The Duke of Richmond CBE DL expressed his excitement:
“I am absolutely delighted that the historic 1-2-3 Ford GT Mk IIs will be reunited at Goodwood this year. The legendary result of the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans is immortalised in motorsport history, and it will be incredibly special to see these three cars run together once again. We are hugely grateful to the Shelby family, Miller Family Automobile Foundation and Rob Kaufman, RK Motors for making this possible.”
Aaron Shelby, Board Member of Carroll Shelby International and grandson of the automotive icon, reflected on the enduring significance of that era:
“An intense personal rivalry between three influential figures in the auto industry sparked a fierce competition during the golden era of sports car racing. The epic struggle of Ford and Shelby against Ferrari played out at tracks around the globe, culminating at Le Mans in 1966. That incredible race, which continues to resonate with motorsports fans worldwide, shaped Shelby American’s destiny for the next 60 years.”
Celebrating the Shelby Spirit
The Festival of Speed will also host a significant presence from Shelby American. Members of Team Shelby, the international club, will travel from around the world to attend. Aaron Shelby will present the Carroll Shelby Spirit Award to The Duke of Richmond, honoring his contributions to the automotive world. This prestigious accolade has previously been awarded to motorsport legends including Ken Miles, Peter Brock, Edsel B. Ford II, Dan Gurney, Bruce Meyer, Don Prudhomme, Bob Bondurant, Allen Grant, Parnelli Jones, and Craig Jackson.
A Must-See for Motorsport Fans
Goodwood’s motorsport events have long been synonymous with unforgettable moments, and 2026 will be no exception. The return of the Ford GT Mk IIs promises not just nostalgia, but a thrilling celebration of one of racing’s greatest chapters. Whether you attend the Festival of Speed or the Goodwood Revival, witnessing these legendary machines in action is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that every motorsport fan should mark on their calendar.
Stay tuned for further announcements regarding the 2026 Festival of Speed and Goodwood Revival, as additional details and surprises will be revealed in the coming months.
