With production of the second-generation Ford GT drawing to a close, the folks in Dearborn recently announced the Holman Moody Heritage Edition of the mid-engine supercar. It's a tribute to the company that shoehorned in Ford's 427 FE V-8 to create the Mk II version of the GT40, with a gold and red livery like the car that completed Ford's podium sweep of the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans. And while there was a Heritage Edition in 2017 that paid respects to the 1966 race-winning Number 2 car, it seems there won't be one for the second-place finisher piloted by Ken Miles and Denny Hulme. This latest throwback livery is the ninth, including the first-generation Ford GT, and last of the current run.
So, why nine heritage editions? The easy answer is that a whole lot of people have a soft spot for nostalgia, especially when it's connected to one of America's greatest triumphs in international racing. Collectibility also likely played a factor. There was only one Heritage Edition for the first-generation GT, and those examples now command a premium over more "regular" GTs. Abundance might dampen the future added value of a Heritage Edition, but our aim today is to celebrate, not speculate. There's a whole lot of history in the GT40, and it's a fun excuse to explore the vintage racing glory. With that in mind, here's our guide to the Ford GT Heritage Editions.
2006: Gulf Livery Heritage Edition
Production: 343
The most recognizable livery in racing, the Gulf blue and orange paint scheme recognized the GT40's 24 Hours of Le Mans wins in 1968 and 1969. Those wins, and the fame of the Gulf Oil livery, are both credit to John Wyer and his JW Automotive racing concern. When Ford ended its factory effort and closed Ford Advanced Vehicles, John Wyer (the former director of FAV) stepped in and continued to develop the car. Porsche, noticing that Wyer knew a thing or two about winning at Le Mans, then hired him for the 917 program, bringing his relationship with the oil company along for the ride.
Photo from the Hemmings Archive.
This was the only Heritage edition of the first-generation Ford GT, and while the total number is higher than any single second-generation special edition it's still considered rare and desirable, representing less than 10 percent of the GT's 4,038-unit production.
2017: '66 Heritage Edition
Production: 27
The reborn Ford GT, unlike its predecessor, avoided overt styling references to the GT40, but Ford still went heavy on the heritage angle by going back to Le Mans and winning the LMGTE Pro class, 50 years after the famous dominance of 1966. Ford wasted little time with the production GT as well, announcing the '66 Heritage edition midway though 2017 (both the first model year and first full year of production). It's based on the car driven by Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon that won the 1966 race. Whether that's how it was supposed to go down, well, watch the movie or, better yet, read the book.
Customers could choose between gloss or matte finish for the shadow black exterior paint, while the number 2 and exposed carbon fiber package are both standard. The wheels are done in a gold satin clearcoat with black lug nuts.
2018: '67 Heritage Edition
Production: 39
One year later in both production and Le Mans history, the '67 edition celebrates the all-American win at the hands of Dan Gurney and A.J. Foyt, and also the fastest average speed among the GT40's four overall victories. It was also only the second race campaigned by a GT40 Mk IV, after also winning the 12 Hours of Sebring. While the original was built by Kar Kraft in the United States, the modern throwback (as with all second-generation GTs) was assembled in Ontario, Canada.
The formal name for the paint is Race Red, and comes with the exposed carbon fiber package, silver satin clearcoat and black lugnuts on the wheels, along with red brake calipers and silver mirror caps.
2019: '68 Gulf Livery Heritage Edition
Production: 50
Next up in the timeline, the first of two wins by the GT40 sporting the infamous famous Gulf Oil colors, and a revival of the 2006 Heritage Edition. Rule changes for the 1968 race forced the GT40 to switch from the 427 FE to a 289 V-8, bored out to 302 cubic inches. Despite the downsized engine, Pedro Rodriguez and Lucien Bianchi ran consistently ahead of a field of smaller-engine European cars, finishing in front of a pair of Porsches that took the second and third spots. The 2019 versions came with the number 9 that was on the 1968 Le Mans winner, and featured exposed carbon fiber on the A-Pillars. All the Heritage Editions feature a number of interior accents, but the highlight of this version is seat fabric with a rounded-square dimple pattern reminiscent of the original race car's pattern.
2020: '69 Gulf Livery Heritage Edition
Production: 50
Ford announced both of the Gulf Livery editions at the same time, although the '69 edition was held back for the following model year with an increase in power that came on all 2020 cars. The main difference is the Number 6 on this year's car, which reflected the number change on the racer even though it was the same car as the year before. 1969 ended up as the most thrilling finish for the GT40, and among the best in the history of Le Mans, with Jacky Ickx swapping the lead position with second-place Hans Hermann's Porsche 908 on the last lap. The 2020 Gulf was also the first time carbon fiber wheels could be ordered on a Heritage Edition, and black pinstripes were also available.
2021: '66 Daytona Heritage Edition
Production: 50
While the 24 Hours of Le Mans was Ford's Mt. Everest, the GT40 was by no means a one-shot effort. Other sports car events proved crucial to the car's development as well as its glorious legacy. In 1966, Ford 's 1-2-3 finish at the inaugural 24 Hours of Daytona, led by Ken Miles and Lloyd Ruby, showed that the GT40 didn't just have potential but that it could dominate.
The 2021 car pays tribute to that victory with the number 98 on the hood and doors and asymmetrical red accents. This version also features exposed carbon fiber on the hood and "Ford" lettering in front of the rear wheels. Gold-painted wheels with red brakes calipers came standard, while carbon fiber wheels with red accents along with black calipers with red "Brembo" lettering was optional.
2022: '64 Prototype Heritage Edition
Production: ongoing
The legend of the GT40 is that it was born through Henry Ford II's anger at Enzo Ferrari after the Italian backed out of a deal to sell his eponymous car company. Determined to get revenge, Ford started looking for partners and landed Lola Cars and Eric Broadley, with Wyer leading the development. After unveiling the car in England, it was shown at the 1964 New York Auto Show. Of the five built, only the fifth remains.
The road car is painted in Wimbledon White, while the contrast color is a very dark Antimatter Blue. It comes with carbon fiber wheels and a heavy does of other exposed-carbon exterior parts. As this is currently in production, any prospective buyer with an invite from Ford can choose this Heritage Edition for their car. That is, for this and the other current Heritage Editions, production volume is determined by the take rate but—given the low overall production—those numbers should be relatively low.
2022: Alan Mann Heritage Edition
Production: ongoing
Both Shelby and Holman-Moody get (deserved) credit for furthering development of the GT40, but they were not the only factory teams. While the Americans were running at home, Alan Mann Racing Ltd. campaigned the car throughout Europe. Convinced that weight savings, among other changes, could make the early GT40 more competitive, it built a pair of prototypes with lightweight aluminum chassis and bodywork. Despite showing plenty of promise, Ford moved on to the Mk II cars with the new, larger engines. Holman-Moody actually bought the first Alan Mann prototype, using it to develop the Mk IIB car.
In 2022 Heritage Edition form, the Alan Mann cars wear number 16 with red paint and gold stripes just like the racing teams livery. Interestingly, the red is specific to these cars and not merely the closest paint tone in Ford's current palate.
2022: Holman Moody Heritage Edition
Production: ongoing
For the final Heritage Edition, Ford went back to the big year of 1966 but instead of honoring a car, this version is a tribute to an entire company. Specifically, it's Holman-Moody, the team that built most of Ford's NASCAR racers at the time and was the de facto choice to build the Mk II cars with its stock-car based 427s. The company was also one of the teams at Le Mans, finishing third with Ronnie Bucknum and Dick Hutcherson at the wheel.
Sporting the same number 5 as the 1966 car, the 2022 version also mimics the original gold and red livery. The paddle shifters behind the steering wheel are also finished in a matching gold.
So, which livery is your favorite, or what other throwback paint scheme should Ford have used? Let us know in the comments below.
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1996 Land Rover Defender 90 300Tdi
Long banned from the U.S., save for a few years of official importation in the mid-1990s, many Land Rover Defenders are now eligible for import under the DOT’s 25-year-rule. Imported from the dry Middle East country of Jordan, this left-hand-drive 1996 Land Rover Defender 90 300Tdi features the desirable five-speed manual transmission and 2.5-liter turbodiesel inline-four that was rated at 111 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque when new. This Defender is equipped with new upholstery, including the front seats still bearing plastic wrap to protect them for the next owner. Rear jump seats expand the total capacity of this short-wheelbase Land Rover, which is equipped with a removable hardtop, diamond plate atop the hood and front fenders, a winch and an intake snorkel for fording water.
2002 Morgan Plus 8 Roadster
Morgan has been in the business of assembling motor vehicles by hand for well over a century. Change comes slowly and incrementally to Morgan, but it does happen. In the 1960s, Morgan set about developing the Plus 8, a model that largely mimicked the four-cylinder-powered Plus 4, but rather than a four-cylinder engine, it was powered by a version of the all-aluminum Rover V8 engine that was originally developed in the U.S. as the Buick 215. This 2002 Morgan Plus 8 Roadster was sold new in California by the same dealer offering it now, Morgan West of Santa Monica, California. Rover spent many years developing the V8 engine once it took over from Buick and the electronically fuel injected 4.0-liter example in this Morgan was rated at 190 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. The extremely low volume of Morgan production means that every one of their cars can be considered custom made or even bespoke, with individual options and colors chosen by each buyer.
1962 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II Long Wheelbase Divided Sedan
A posh blend of pre- and postwar designs, the Silver Cloud became the Silver Cloud II in 1959 when the automaker introduced its 6.2-liter OHV V8. Rolls-Royce famously never released horsepower figures beyond “sufficient,” but the V8 in this 1962 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II was estimated to produce 185 horsepower when new. This long-wheelbase divided sedan has been restored and more recently had its drivetrain rebuilt by the seller. The carpet, leather and wood inside look to be of the quality and condition expected of what was considered one of the most luxurious cars in the world. Intended to be chauffeur driven, this Silver Cloud II with its divider between the front and rear seats, features a right-side steering wheel.
Head on over to Hemmings Auctions and take a look as these three uniquely British cars.
1972 Lamborghini Jarama S
Designed by the master of car design, Marcello Gandini, who also designed the legendary Lamborghini Miura, this 1972 Lamborghini Jarama S is just one of 150 examples built. The seller states that this sports car has been in one owner’s car for the last 20 years. It still retains its original factory Antille Verde paint and numbers-matching 365 horsepower 3.9-liter engine. Get more details and see more photos on the Hemmings Marketplace listing.
1989 Porsche 911 Turbo Coupe
This slant nose 1989 Porsche 911 Turbo coupe was just one of 39 built for the United States’ market in 1989. Not only that, it was built during the final year of production, which was also the only model year that received the five-speed G50 gearbox. The seller describes the rare sports car as a mostly original, one-owner vehicle that has spent its life in Southern California since new. Get a closer look here.
1988 Porsche 944 Turbo Cup Car
Here we have a single-owner 1988 Porsche 944 Turbo Cup car, one of just 39 produced by the Weissach factory specifically for the Rothmans Turbo Cup Series. These race cars weighed 600 pounds less than a regular 944 Turbo and came equipped with numerous performance enhancements, which are listed in the classified ad. The seller mentions that this particular example is a pedigreed racer that was driven by famed driver Ron Fellows in the 1990 Series to an 8th Place Overall finish. It still proudly wears that same livery.
1957 BMW 507 Series I
This beautiful 1957 BMW 507 is one of only 34 examples built of the early Series I. BMW produced a total of only 252 507 models from 1956-1960. This example rolled out of the Germany-based factory on July 3rd, near the end of the model year’s production run. The year of 1957 makes it eligible for the Mille Miglia. It reportedly underwent an extensive frame-off restoration by a 507 specialist and it still retains its numbers-matching V8 engine. The seller states that the rare sports car’s complete history is known.
1985 Audi Quattro
The Audi Quattro, a unique sports car and the first of its kind for the brand, was built as a 1980s homologation special to support Audi's triumphs in the World Rally Group B Championship. The Quattro dominated the sport, which led it to being one of the most legendary rally cars in the sport. The seller states that this example is believed to be 1 of just 73 US production Audi Quattros built in 1985. It remains stock outside of a handful of tasteful modifications that enhance the car's aesthetic and drivability, such as Factory European headlights, an upgraded K24 Turbocharger, updated water cooling kit, and a 2Bennett performance chip which raises the car's power output from its factory 200 horsepower to 220 horsepower. The original engine is paired with a five-speed manual transmission that transfers power to all four wheels.
1977 Aston Martin Series 3 Coupe
Depending on who you talk to, this 1977 Aston Martin AM V8 Series 3 Coupe also falls into the classic muscle car category. Aston Martin produced its Series 3 cars from 1973 through 1978, but it skipped a year in 1975. 967 examples were produced in this timeframe. According to the seller, this car is equipped with its numbers-matching 5.3-liter DOHC V8 engine paired with the desirable five-speed ZF transmission. The engine is topped with four Weber carbs, and the hood bulge offers extra room and airflow while enhancing the car’s looks. Get a closer look here.
2001 Ferrari 550 Barchetta Pininfarina
This Italian masterpiece, the 2001 Ferrari 550 Barchetta Pininfarina, was built to celebrate the 70th birthday of the famous designer, whose name was added to the model designation. The limited-production sports car is the roadster version of the 550 and was limited to just 448 examples built. Its numbers-matching non-turbo 5.5-liter Ferrari V12 is the same engine used in the closed 550 Maranello, but the sound of the screaming 12-cylinder is guaranteed to be heard much more clearly in this roofless version.
2007 Wiesmann MF5
Wiesmann, the German car brand known for its artisanal approach to sports cars, blended elegance and performance into this seldomly seen masterpiece, which reportedly attracts a lot of attention in the seller’s showroom. The 2007 Wiesmann MF5 Prototype is one of the earliest of the mere 43 examples built and is equipped with the coveted BMW M5 V10 engine. The seller describes it as being in very good condition, “an excellent example of craftsmanship and performance.”
1968 Triumph TR250
This 1968 Triumph TR250, a rare British classic sports car with just over 8,000 total units produced, was owned by the same family for nearly 40 years. It’s one of the lucky survivors as less than 600 examples are known to exist today. Acquired for a family project between a father a son, the classic car underwent a 20-year restoration. Check out the listing on Hemmings Marketplace to see the result.
1971 Intermeccanica Italia Convertible
This 1971 Intermeccanica Italia’s Italian design combined with its American V8 performance and its scarcity makes it a gorgeous and valued prize. It features a long, low hood line and a chopped rear deck reminiscent of contemporary Ferrari and Maserati models. Only 220 convertibles were built between 1967 and 1972. The seller confirms that this rare sports car is powered by its numbers-matching Ford 351W four-barrel engine with just over 80,000 original miles. It is reportedly in show condition and ready for its next owner to enjoy.
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