The Ford GT Heritage Edition is a special, limited-edition version of the Ford GT supercar, created to celebrate the iconic racing history of Ford, particularly its legendary victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the 1960s. These Heritage Editions pay homage to the Ford GT40 race cars that dominated the endurance racing world, most notably with Ford's 1-2-3 finish in 1966, defeating Ferrari.
Key Features and Highlights:
1. Design and Tribute Livery:
Each Ford GT Heritage Edition is inspired by a specific moment in Ford’s racing history, often featuring iconic racing liveries from the original GT40 race cars.
GT40 Gulf Livery (1968 and 1969 Wins):
Perhaps the most famous of all Heritage Editions is the Gulf Racing Livery that celebrates Ford's 1968 and 1969 Le Mans victories. It features the iconic light blue and orange Gulf Oil colors.
Heritage Edition 2006 and 2019: Ford released this livery in 2006 for the first-generation modern Ford GT and then again in 2019 for the second-generation GT. These cars feature the classic No. 9 or No. 6 roundels, depending on the model year, representing the original racing numbers of the GT40s that won the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
1966 Le Mans Win (2021 Heritage Edition):
In 2021, Ford released another Heritage Edition to commemorate the 1966 Le Mans victory. This version was inspired by the GT40 Mark II driven by Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon, which won the race. It features a striking black and silver livery, echoing the look of the No. 2 car that crossed the finish line first in Ford’s famous 1-2-3 sweep.
Other Heritage Editions:
Other models celebrate different victories and milestones, with unique liveries and designs, all paying tribute to the GT40's motorsport dominance in the 1960s.
2. Performance:
Underneath the historic liveries, the Ford GT Heritage Edition retains all the incredible performance of the standard Ford GT supercar.
Engine: Powered by a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine with twin turbochargers, it produces 660 horsepower and 550 lb-ft of torque.
Top Speed: The Ford GT Heritage Edition has a top speed of 216 mph.
Transmission: It uses a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, offering lightning-quick gear changes and contributing to its incredible acceleration.
Chassis and Aerodynamics:
The car’s carbon fiber monocoque chassis keeps the weight low while enhancing rigidity and safety.
Active aerodynamics, including a deployable rear wing and adjustable ride height, help optimize downforce and stability at high speeds.
3. Interior:
The Heritage Editions feature bespoke interiors with carbon fiber accents, Alcantara materials, and unique Heritage Edition badging.
Subtle design cues inside the car pay tribute to the GT40, with premium leather seats, special stitching, and race-inspired details that reflect the model’s connection to Ford's Le Mans-winning legacy.
4. Materials and Detailing:
Carbon Fiber Wheels: The Heritage Editions often come with optional carbon fiber wheels, which not only reduce unsprung weight but also enhance the car’s racing-inspired aesthetic.
Gold and Black Accents: For the 2021 edition, gold and black detailing pays homage to the No. 98 GT40, complete with frozen white paint and exposed carbon fiber.
Limited Edition Plaque: Each Heritage Edition comes with a numbered plaque, certifying its limited production and exclusivity.
5. Production Numbers and Exclusivity:
The Heritage Edition models are produced in very limited numbers, making them highly desirable among collectors. Ford restricts production to maintain exclusivity, and each Heritage Edition is usually sold out well before production ends.
6. Legacy and Motorsport History:
The Ford GT Heritage Edition is a tribute to Ford’s dominance at Le Mans during the 1960s, when the GT40 famously beat Ferrari and won the 24 Hours of Le Mans four consecutive times from 1966 to 1969.
Ford's return to Le Mans in 2016 with the modern Ford GT was another historic moment, as the car won in the GTE Pro class on the 50th anniversary of the original 1966 win. This motorsport heritage is deeply embedded in the design of the Heritage Edition cars.
Notable Ford GT Heritage Editions:
2006 Ford GT Heritage Edition: First modern GT to feature the Gulf livery, commemorating the 1968 and 1969 wins.
2017 Ford GT Heritage Edition: Celebrated Ford's return to Le Mans and honored the 1966 win.
2019 and 2020 Ford GT Heritage Edition: Returned with the Gulf livery and was one of the most sought-after versions.
2021 Ford GT Heritage Edition: Paying homage to the 1966 Le Mans victory, with a black and silver livery inspired by the winning GT40 Mark II.
