Ford Celebrates Le Mans Victory With Gulf Liveried Heritage Edition

Fifty years ago Ford was fresh off two consecutive victories at Le Mans, and looking for a third. They would not be denied.

The victory eventually went to the number 9 John Wyer Automotive Engineering GT40 of Pedro Rodriguez and Lucien Bianchi. Moreover, the next year, the same car, chassis 1075, returned and won Le Mans again—making it one of just a few cars to win multiple times.

Now Ford is paying tribute to that legendary car with the Ford GT Heritage Edition.

And excitingly, that car had one of the best liveries in all of motorsport, so the Heritage Edition GT, announced today, will sport the oil company’s famous blue and orange colors, along with a number 9 on the hood and exposed carbon accents.

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“Many view the Gulf Oil paint scheme as the most famous in motorsports,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president, global operations. “The 1968 GT40 quickly became a global sensation after beating its European competitors on the track four times in a row, and in honor of the 50th anniversary of its win, we’re paying fresh tribute to the original with a new heritage limited edition.”

Specifically, the Heritage Edition will have exposed carbon A-pillars and 20-inch one-piece forged aluminum wheels finished in high-gloss dark stainless with black lug nuts. Those will cover orange brake calipers.

Inside, meanwhile, ebony Alcantara covers the seats, the instrument panel, the pillars, the headliner, and the steering wheel. Contrasting blue stitching, meanwhile, brings the livery inside, while anodized paddle shifters are just a nice touch.

Next year, the Heritage Edition will sport the same livery, but will wear the number 6, under which chassis 1075 won the 1969 24 Hours of Le Mans.