Ford Now Offers Ford GT in Iconic Gulf Oil Racing Livery

If you passed on ordering a Ford GT when its order books opened in February 2016 because it only offered the usual colors and stripes, you might want to change your might as the American carmaker is now offering what it calls a "Heritage Edition" for it which gives Ford's supercar the iconic Gulf Oil paint scheme. "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." For the Heritage Edition, the Ford GT 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 while orange calipers and silver rearview mirror caps complete the look. Inside, Ebony Alcantara wraps the seats, instrument panel, pillars, headliner, and steering wheel while contrasting blue and orange stitching accentuates the seats and steering wheel, with a new seat embossment inspired by the original 1968 Le Mans-winning car as well as clear and polished anodized paddle shifters. 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. That's not all the Ford GT Heritage Edition gets. For 2019, the package features the No. 9 graphics on the hood and doors, as well as a ghosted image on the interior door panels. For 2020, No. 6 honors the same car that went on to win Le Mans in 1969 with a different number. "We are delighted to partner with Ford to help the Gulf-themed Heritage Edition Ford GT become reality. The Ford Marque has played a major role in creating Gulf's place in motoring and motorsporting legend and the same is true in reverse," said Ravi Chawla, the managing director of Gulf Oil Lubricants India Ltd. "Every Gulf outright victory at Le Mans has been Ford-powered and of course Gulf Ford GT40s took the latter two wins of Ford's four consecutive victories at Le Mans from 1966-1969. 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 honors."