The first generation of Ford GT , launched in 2005, was the possible “transfer” of the GT40 for our days. The American super sports car combined the design of the winning multiple of the 24 Hours of Le Mans with a powerful V8 supercharged by a compressor and, according to the tests at the height, exceptional dynamics.
As if to further strengthen the connection to the GT40 that conquered Le Mans, in 2006 Ford launched the GT Heritage Paint Livery Package edition.
A limited edition of 343 units that gave the GT the colors of Gulf Oil, one of the most recognizable decorations in the world of motor racing — the decoration that also inspired our Citroën C1 — and which covered the #1075 Ford GT that won Le Mans for twice, 1968 and 1969.
To the blue color (Heritage Blue) of the bodywork was added a center strip the entire length of the car in orange (Epic Orange), which extended to the front bumper. The appearance of the Ford GT was even closer to that of competition cars by having four white circles where it was possible to add digits, as in a competition car, if the customer so desired.
Only 5 km covered
The unit being auctioned is a copy with Canadian specifications. Only 50 of the 343 Ford GT Heritage produced in 2006 were destined for Canada.
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Its specs differed a bit from other GTs: forged wheels from BBS were standard, the brake shoes were gray and the… radio was standard. The Canadian GT did not bring the McIntosh CD audio system, justifying its absence as a way to reduce weight to compensate for the extra kilograms of the bumpers with their own configuration for the Canadian market (heavier foam on the front and on the behind it had a spacer that moved it further away from the body).
Admittedly, it's a shame to realize that this fantastic machine never actually walked, as the only and only 5 km recorded indicate. It is, for all intents and purposes, like a new car: it still has the protective plastic for the seats and steering wheel, as well as the door sills (which will be delivered with the winning bid). The windshield even has the pre-delivery stickers.
In addition to the obligatory documents, manuals and keys, whoever buys this Ford GT Heritage will also receive a set of self-adhesive numbers (to place on the bodywork) and an original oil painting by David Snyder of the Ford GT in the colors of the Gulf Oil that won the 24 Le Mans Hours in 1968.
This immaculate and unused copy of the Ford GT Heritage will be auctioned by RM Sotheby's at the Amelia Island auction that will take place on the 22nd of May. A reserve price has not been advanced.