Ford is donating proceeds from the sale of the 2019 Ford GT Heritage Edition with limited-edition Gulf Oil racing livery to United Way for Southeastern Michigan; the car will be auctioned at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in January
Car celebrates 50th anniversary of the 1968 and 1969 Le Mans-winning GT40 that became one of the most recognizable racecars of all time in the famous, often-duplicated Gulf Oil paint theme
DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 14, 2018 – The Ford GT-40 with Gulf Oil livery took down Ferrari 50 years ago to make racing history, a moment United Way for Southeastern Michigan will tap by auctioning the 2019 Ford GT Heritage Edition VIN 001 painted in the same famous baby-blue-and-orange scheme.
The vehicle is expected to attract a sizable sum at the 48th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction on January 19, 2019, in Scottsdale, Ariz.
“The 2019 Ford GT Heritage Edition instantly became one of the most anticipated cars in the world with its famous paint scheme,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford’s president, Global Operations. “This car’s amazing history should help the United Way for Southeastern Michigan raise a lot of money to advance their mission of helping make lives better in our communities.”
This car celebrates the final pair in a remarkable string of four consecutive Le Mans overall victories for Ford. The same Ford GT40 (Chassis No. 1075) won the race in 1968 and 1969. Sponsored by Gulf Oil both years, it is the only post-war car to win the race twice in a row. Those victories helped cement Ford’s place in international motorsports.
The 2019 Ford GT Heritage Edition optional package celebrates those wins with the famous paint scheme, along with exposed carbon fiber accents for both the interior and exterior.
The exterior features exposed carbon fiber A-pillars and sports unique 20-inch one-piece forged aluminum wheels in high-gloss dark stainless with black lug nuts. Orange calipers and silver rearview mirror caps complete the look.
For 2019 only, the package features the No. 9 graphics on the hood and doors as well as a ghosted image on the interior door panels.
Inside, Ebony Alcantara wraps the seats, instrument panel, pillars, headliner and steering wheel. Contrasting blue and orange stitching accentuates the seats and steering wheel, with a new seat embossment inspired by the original Le Mans-winning car, as well as clear and polished anodized paddle shifters.
High-gloss dark stainless appliqués accent the instrument panel, door register bezels and x-brace to round out the interior.
The Ford GT Heritage Edition also features a unique serialized identification plate, plus exposed matte carbon fiber door sills, air register pods and center console.
“Ford Motor Company has been a long-standing supporter of United Way's work throughout our 100-year history," says Darienne Driver, president and CEO, United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “This incredible donation will allow us to enhance our efforts toward ensuring more families in underserved communities across southeast Michigan have access to the resources they need to thrive.”
United Way for Southeastern Michigan improves lives and empowers families to succeed by uniting around education, economic prosperity and health — the cornerstones of a strong, equitable community. For more information visit https://unitedwaysem.org/
For auction information, visit the Barrett-Jackson website or Facebook.
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