Go Like Hell by A. J. Baime Summary

Go Like Hell chronicles the intense 1960s rivalry between Ford and Ferrari to dominate the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the world’s most grueling endurance race. A.J. Baime details Henry Ford II’s quest to dethrone Enzo Ferrari’s racing empire, showcasing corporate ambition, engineering innovation, and the daring drivers who risked their lives for glory. The book culminates in Ford’s historic 1966 Le Mans victory with the GT40 Mk II.

Petrolheads, motorsport enthusiasts, and business strategy readers will find this book compelling. Its blend of high-stakes racing drama, corporate rivalry, and profiles of icons like Lee Iacocca and Carroll Shelby appeals to fans of narrative nonfiction and automotive history.

Yes—Baime’s gripping storytelling and meticulous research make it a standout. The book balances technical details about iconic cars like the Ford GT40 with human drama, offering insights into 1960s innovation and the perilous world of endurance racing.

A.J. Baime is a journalist and automotive historian known for blending rigorous research with cinematic prose. His work for The Wall Street Journal and prior books on industrial pioneers lend authority to this account of Ford vs. Ferrari.

Ford’s success stemmed from relentless testing, Carroll Shelby’s leadership, and lessons learned from early failures. The GT40 Mk II’s aerodynamic design, reliability upgrades, and strategic teamwork outpaced Ferrari’s lighter but fragile vehicles in the 1966 race.

The book highlights the era’s lethal risks: drivers like Ken Miles faced catastrophic crashes, minimal safety gear, and grueling 24-hour races. Baime emphasizes the psychological toll and societal acceptance of danger as part of racing culture.

Shelby, a former racer turned engineer, became Ford’s secret weapon. His hands-on approach and rivalry with Ford’s bureaucracy refined the GT40’s performance, culminating in the 1966 podium sweep.

Ford represented industrialized mass production and bottom-line pragmatism, while Ferrari embodied artisanal craftsmanship and racing purism. This clash of cultures drove innovations like the GT40’s 7.0-liter V8 engine.

Some historians note the book prioritizes drama over technical depth, simplifying complex engineering challenges. Critics also argue it romanticizes Ford’s corporate narrative while underplaying Ferrari’s legacy.

The book inspired the 2019 film, which condenses events for cinematic pacing. Baime’s work provides deeper context on figures like Leo Beebe and the political machinations behind Ford’s racing division.

Notable lines include Henry Ford II’s demand to “go like hell” at Le Mans and Enzo Ferrari’s disdain for Ford’s “cookie-cutter cars.” These encapsulate the rivalry’s personal and ideological stakes.

The conflict spurred advancements in aerodynamics, fuel efficiency, and safety protocols. It also cemented Le Mans as a proving ground for automotive innovation, shaping endurance racing’s global prestige.