With Ferrari in its sights after a failed takeover bid, the Ford Motor Company, under Henry Ford II, assembled the world’s best drivers and car builders in an effort to dominate global long-distance sports car racing in the mid-1960s. The GT40 that bowed in May 1964 at the Nürburgring 1000 KM was the culmination of Ford’s project. Based on the mid-engined Lola Mk 6, the GT40 had a thumping American V-8 heart and would go on to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans an incredible four consecutive years between 1966 and 1969.

Over 30 years later, Ford found itself gearing up to celebrate its 100th anniversary, and it turned to designer Camilo Pardo to re-create the magic of the GT40. The concept car that debuted at the 2002 North American International Auto Show in Detroit whet consumer appetite for a full road-going revival developed with Carroll Shelby’s insight. Just over 4,000 examples of the supercharged V-8-powered car that largely kept to the original 1960s concept were built during a two-year production run. After the last reborn Ford GT rolled out of the Wixom, Michigan, assembly plant, it seemed as if Ford was done with mid-engined supercars.

At the 2015 Detroit show, however, Ford stunned gathered media and enthusiasts across the world with the new Ford GT. This rakish sports car stuck to the mid-engined formula, but now featured a 647-horsepower version of the twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter Ecoboost V-6 engine, which came paired this time with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission supplied by Getrag. The powertrain can catapult the GT to 60 mph in less than three seconds and a top speed of 216 mph.

Bringing the story full circle, in 2016 Ford returned to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, campaigning a group of competition-prepared examples in partnership with Chip Ganassi Racing. The result was a class win, proving that 50 years after its historic victory over Ferrari, Ford could still outperform the competition.

This 2017 Ford GT is finished in vivid Triple Yellow with Lightning Blue racing stripes, accented beautifully by the exterior gloss carbon fiber. The GT sports 20-inch gloss carbon fiber wheels wrapped with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. They are held on by optional titanium lug nuts and brought to a stop by matching blue-painted brake calipers. The GT’s interior is trimmed in black Alcantara with matte carbon accents. It features an F1-inspired steering wheel, fixed carbon-fiber Sparco seats, and a 6.5-inch infotainment system powered by Sync 3. The car currently displays just 1,471 miles from new.

Born and bred on the racetrack, the Ford GT is a must-have for any enthusiast of modern supercars or champion of American motorsport.