Limited-run model pays homage to the 1968-69 Le Mans-winning GT40 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the victories.
25 Aug 2018 | 4261 Views | By Autocar Professional Bureau
The wraps have come off of the 2019 Ford GT Heritage Edition, with the supercar sporting one of the most iconic exterior finishes – the Gulf Oil livery. The model is meant to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the GT40's 1968 and 1969 Le Mans victories.
The limited-run model ...
This is an Autocar Pro Plus article. Subscribe to continue reading.
The wraps have come off of the 2019 Ford GT Heritage Edition, with the supercar sporting one of the most iconic exterior finishes – the Gulf Oil livery. The model is meant to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the GT40's 1968 and 1969 Le Mans victories.
The limited-run model pays homage to the car that managed to come out of nowhere and beat its European competitors four times in a row at the revered racing event. In fact, the Le Mans-winning GT40, known among enthusiasts as chassis No. 1075, is one of the few individual cars to have successive victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans under its belt.
“Many say the Gulf Oil paint scheme is the most famous in motorsports, propelled by the 1968 GT40 that quickly became a global sensation after Ford beat its European competitors not three, but four times in a row,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford executive vice president and president, global operations. “We set out to accentuate the new Ford GT’s race-inspired aerodynamic lines with the Gulf colors, while staying true to the original GT40 Le Mans winner.”
“We are delighted to partner with Ford to help the Gulf-themed Heritage Edition Ford GT become reality. The Ford marque has played a major role in creating Gulf’s place in motoring and motorsport,” said Ravi Chawla, MD of Gulf Oil Lubricants India, at the launch of the car at the Rolex Historic Reunion event at the Laguna Seca raceway in California. “Every Gulf outright victory at Le Mans has been Ford-powered and Gulf Ford GT40s took the latter two wins of Ford’s four consecutive victories at Le Mans from 1966-1969. What could be more fitting than both brands coming together to produce this fantastic motor car – the modern spiritual successor to the amazing Gulf-Ford GT40s that took Le Mans and World Championship honours.”
The Ford GT Heritage Edition gets optional carbon fibre finishes on the inside and outside and features No. 9 graphics on the hood and doors (for the 2019 model) or No. 6 (for the 2020 model).
To further differentiate it from the standard Ford GT, the Heritage Edition sports exposed carbon fibre A-pillars, unique 20-inch one-piece forged aluminium wheels, orange brake calipers that contrast with the black-finished alloys and silver-finished wing mirrors.
The cabin of this special edition features Alcantara and leather on the seats, instrument panel, pillars, headliner and steering wheel. The seats and steering also get contrasting blue and orange stitching to further underline the connection to the race-winning GT40.
Mechanically, the Ford GT Heritage Edition is identical to the standard GT. It is powered by the same 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 motor that makes 656hp and 746Nm of peak torque, which helps the supercar hit 96kph from standstill in 2.8 seconds, 160kph in 6 seconds and go on to hit a top speed of 350kph.
Also see: 2019 Ford GT Heritage Edition image gallery