2019 Ford GT Heritage Edition with Gulf Oil livery revealed

    Limited-run model pays homage to the 1968-69 Le Mans-winning GT40 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the victories.

    Published On Aug 25, 2018 11:24:00 AM

    10,000 Views

    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.

    At the unveiling, Joe Hinrichs, Ford executive vice president and president, global operations said, “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. 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.”

    Ravi Chawla Gulf Oil Lubricants India Ltd MD added, “The Ford marque has played a major role in creating Gulf’s place in motoring and motorsport legend and the same is true in reverse. 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

    Copyright (c) Autocar India. All rights reserved.

    Comments

    ×
    img

    No comments yet. Be the first to comment.

    Ask Autocar Anything about Car and Bike Buying and Maintenance Advices
    Need an expert opinion on your car and bike related queries?
    Ask Now

    Search By Car Price

    Poll of the month

    The Mahindra XUV 300 facelift will be called the XUV 3XO. Should more brands rename models for facelifts?

    Yes, it could give new life to a slow-selling car

     

    13.67%

    Yes, but only if there are significant changes

     

    32.49%

    No, it's confusing and dilutes the brand name

     

    28.93%

    No difference, the product speaks for itself

     

    24.91%

    Total Votes : 1068
    Sign up for our newsletter

    Get all the latest updates from the automobile universe