2021 Ford GT Heritage Edition immerses itself in GT40’s first Daytona victory

The Ford GT40 made something of a comeback for an American automaker. A scrappy team took over the world and won at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966. But for Le Mans, the Daytona 24 Hour Continental race came. And if you know the history, you know that this marked the first win of the GT40 of the endurance race.

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

Of course, the Heritage Edition takes the original livery and runs things up for the modern day. Dripping over a frozen white exterior color, red and black graphics run in an asymmetrical pattern to mimic the 1966 GT40 Mark II that led Ford to victory decades ago. The hood has exposed carbon fiber to provide an extra pop of contrast, while the absolutely lovely 20-inch aluminum pieces give wheels a golden color. Of course, the no. 98-roundel also proudly on the door as part of the modern livery. In fact, exposed carbon fiber reappears to form the roundel.

Ford did not leave the cockpit out of the party either. The interior sports black Alcantara to wrap the dashboard, headliner and steering wheel panel, while red Alcantara finds its way to the seats. Playing the red seats are red anodized paddle shifters.

However, all this is just the standard view. There will be a Heritage Edition Upgrade package that swaps into more carbon fibers for a more suppressed look. That is, if the GT ever looks submerged. The gold wheels go away (but why would you do that?) In favor of carbon fibers and have a glossy red barrel. The typical red Brembo brake calipers alternate instead with black with red Brembo lettering, and flat “98” circles are on the door panels inside.

Not looking for a throwback GT? That’s good because Ford also has another upgrade for the supercar. The GT Studio Collection package will be stored for 40 cars over the next two years and offers buyers the choice of color to accentuate various design elements. Seven colors will be standard, but Ford said personalization will also expand to a wider range of colors, likely for the right price.

What comes next? If you remember, the production of the GT will be expanded in 2022 and these cars will start to expand in the final slots for production management. We feel that Ford is not letting this icon go unnoticed and there needs to be more to come.