Keith Duckworth was not in favor of using the Ford DFV engine in Le Mans 24 Hours racing. When John Wyer proposed putting the Formula 1 engine in a new Mirage prototype for 1972, Duckworth advised against it. Despite Duckworth’s reservations, Gulf funded the new car after Porsche’s 1971 withdrawal.
Derek Bell recalls Duckworth warning against using the Cosworth engine at Le Mans. John Horsman, from Gulf Research Racing, had doubts about the engine’s endurance but felt compelled to use it. Despite Duckworth’s concerns, the Cosworth engine was the only option for the new Mirage M6 prototype.
Gulf’s funding and support led to the decision to utilize the DFV engine in the M6. The history of using the Cosworth engine in sportscars dates back to JWA’s successes in the late ’60s. Despite issues like vibration, the Cosworth engine eventually found success in the endurance racing realm.
