Ford has debuted their homage to the Gulf Oil-sponsored Ford GT40 that famously came home 1-2 at Le Mans in 1968. The new 2019 Ford GT Heritage Edition honors that legendary racecar by featuring the most famous paint scheme in motorsports in addition to a host of extras.
Known among enthusiasts as chassis No. 1075, the 1968 GT was one of just a few individual cars to achieve repeat victories in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
“Many view the Gulf Oil paint scheme as the most famous in motorsports,” notes Joe Hinrichs, Ford president, global operations. “The 1968 GT40 quickly became a global sensation after beating its European competitors on the track four times in a row, and in honor of the 50th anniversary of its win, we’re paying fresh tribute to the original with a new heritage limited edition.”
For 2019, the Heritage Edition features the No. 9 graphics on the hood and doors. For 2020, No. 6 honors the same car that went on to win Le Mans in 1969. The car features exposed carbon fiber A-pillars and sports 20-inch one-piece forged aluminum wheels in high-gloss dark gray with black lug nuts. Orange calipers and silver rearview mirror caps complete the look.
Black Alcantara wraps the headliner, pillars, seats, instrument panel and steering wheel. Blue and orange stitching accentuates the seats and steering wheel, with a new seat embossment inspired by the original 1968 Le Mans-winning car. A package that adds exposed carbon fiber accents for both the interior and exterior of the Ford GT Heritage Edition is also available.
The Ford GT Heritage Edition also features a unique serialized identification plate, plus exposed matte carbon fiber center console, air register pods and door sills.
“We are delighted to partner with Ford to help the Gulf-themed Heritage Edition Ford GT become reality,” remarks MD of Gulf Oil Lubricants India Ltd, Ravi Chawla. “The Ford Marque has played a major role in creating Gulf’s place in motoring and motorsporting legend and the same is true in reverse. Every Gulf outright victory at Le Mans has been Ford-powered and of course 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.”