Ford GT Heritage Edition 2021 digs first GT40 victory at Daytona

The Ford GT40 kind of created a fairy tale come true for an American automaker. A disjointed team took on the world and won at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966. But before Le Mans, there was the Continental 24 Hours of Daytona race. And if you know the story, you know that it marked the GT40’s first endurance racing victory.

Ford thought it was time to mark the monumental occasion and revealed on Sunday 2021 GT Heritage Edition, which specifically pays homage to the winning GT40.

Naturally, the Heritage Edition takes the original livery and tweaks things for modern times. Red and black graphics are draped over a Frozen White exterior color and feature an asymmetrical pattern to mimic the 1966 GT40 Mark II that led Ford to victory decades ago. The hood is exposed carbon fiber to provide an extra touch of contrast, while the attractive 20-inch one-piece aluminum rims are gold in color. Of course, the No.98 cockade sits proudly on the door as part of the modern livery, too. In fact, the exposed carbon fiber appears again to shape the cockade.

Ford also didn’t let the cockpit out of the party. The interior sports black Alcantara to wrap around the dashboard, headliner and steering wheel, while the red Alcantara makes its way to the seats. The red seats play with red anodized paddle shifters.

This is all just the standard look, however. There will be a Heritage Edition upgrade package that trades in more carbon fiber for a more understated look. In other words, if the GT never looks sober. Gold wheels are disappearing (but why would you do that?) In favor of carbon fiber wheels and feature a shiny red barrel. Typically red Brembo brake calipers turn black with red Brembo lettering instead, and faint “98” washers are featured on the door panels inside.

Not looking for a returning GT? This is good because Ford also has another update for the supercar. The GT Studio Collection pack will be kept for 40 cars for the next two years and gives buyers the choice of color to accentuate various design elements. Seven colors will be standard, but Ford has said customization will extend to a wider assortment of colors as well, likely for the right price.

And after? If you remember correctly, GT production ends in 2022, and these cars will begin to expand into final production locations. We have a feeling Ford won’t let this icon go away quietly, and there is more to come.

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