United Way to Auction VIN No. 001 2019 Ford GT Gulf Heritage Edition
The Ford GT-40 with Gulf Oil livery took down Ferrari 50 years ago to make racing history. The historic moment is one United Way for Southeastern Michigan hopes to tap by auctioning the 2019 Ford GT Heritage Edition VIN No. 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, set for Jan. 19, in Scottsdale, Arizona.
“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.”
The 2019 Ford GT Heritage Edition was created to celebrate the final pair of a string of four consecutive Le Mans 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.
The 2019 Ford GT Heritage Edition optional package marks 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 Co. has been a long-standing supporter of United Way’s work throughout our 100-year history,” said Darienne Driver, president and CEO of 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.”
