The Ford GT story began in 1963 as Henry Ford II wanted to add some excitement to his product lineup and reverse a years-long sales slump. As the baby boomer generation was coming of age with a voracious appetite for sports cars, Ford had little to offer and went in search of a company already producing automobiles to fill the need. He spent nine months negotiating with Enzo Ferrari to purchase a controlling interest in his company. Just as the deal appeared to be done, Enzo walked away. Though Ferrari’s true motivation remains in dispute, many believe he was not willing to relinquish sole control of his company’s racing interests.

Back in Michigan, Mr. Ford felt Ferrari had disrespected his family’s company and vowed to build a sports car to go to Europe and defeat Ferrari on its home turf. While many thought it impossible, Ford was undeterred. He put the full power, personnel, and resources of Ford Motor Company behind beating Enzo Ferrari at Le Mans. Ford Advanced Vehicles was created in the UK and work on the Ford GT commenced. Following lackluster results in 1964 and 1965, the GT program was handed to Carroll Shelby for 1966. By improving aerodynamics and braking, and adding Ford’s fearsome 427 V-8, the 1966 GT40 Mk II returned to Le Mans and handily defeated Ferrari with an iconic 1-2-3 finish. The GT40s returned to conquer Ferrari again in 1967, 1968, and 1969. Henry Ford II had proven his point, and the car’s domination became the stuff of legend, spurring countless articles, books, documentaries, and most recently, a major motion picture. It is truly one of the Ford Motor Company’s proudest moments.

With the 50th anniversary of its 1966 victory fast approaching, Ford resolved to celebrate its momentous achievement by returning to Le Mans and winning the GTE Pro class. The new Ford GT was developed in total secrecy and intended to successfully compete in the WEC and IMSA racing series, while simultaneously producing a very limited world-class, road-going supercar for Ford’s most loyal customers. While it required extreme effort, the result was a genuine supercar tour de force.

First introduced at the 2015 North American International Auto Show, the new GT’s lithe, carbon fiber body was stretched over a carbon fiber monocoque and aluminum subframes. It was designed to be evocative of the 1966 GT40 while taking full advantage of modern-day technology. The car’s signature buttresses provided airflow to the engine while simultaneously aiding in aerodynamics and downforce. Its 3.5-liter, V-6 EcoBoost engine produced 647 hp in road-going configuration. Utilizing a seven-speed dual-clutch transaxle, the GT was capable of 0–60 mph in less than 3.0 seconds and a top speed of 217 mph.

Massive carbon ceramic brakes by Brembo and an active rear wing that flipped vertically to add downforce under hard braking brought the GT from 70 mph to stop in just 145 feet. In addition to aiding in braking, the rear wing automatically adjusted to apply the correct amount of downforce as required by driving modes and conditions. The car employed a hydraulically adjustable pushrod suspension, which lowered the ride height from 4.7" of ground clearance to just 2.7" in race or V-Max modes. The GT’s interior was that of a thinly disguised race car with fixed carbon fiber seats, adjustable pedals, built-in roll cage, cockpit adjustable driving modes, and steering-mounted controls.

Ford and the new GT returned to Le Mans in 2016 to finish 1st, 2nd, and 4th in GTE Pro. The road-going version debuted in 2017, and Ford employed an arduous selection process to determine who would own this fantastic vehicle. Applications far outnumbered vehicle production, and many notable collectors and enthusiasts were turned away. This sensational 2019 Ford GT is finished in Liquid Blue Tri-Coat with stripes in Frozen White, silver brake calipers, and a “Dark Energy” interior. This one-owner example has barely been driven, displaying just 36 miles at the time of cataloguing. This spectacular example presents a fantastic opportunity to own a true Ford supercar and an important piece of Ford Motor Company history.