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 resulting GT40 program would propel Ford to victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966 in a stunning one-two-three finish. They would win the race again in 1967, 1968, and 1969—in total, an incredible four consecutive years.

Fast forward nearly 50 years from their first win at Le Mans to the 2015 Detroit Auto Show, where Ford once again stunned gathered media and enthusiasts across the world with the all-new Ford GT. The rakish sports car stuck to the mid-engined formula with a 647-horsepower version of the automaker’s twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter Ecoboost V-6 engine, which came paired this time with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission supplied by Getrag. Early performance figures pegged the car as capable of achieving 60 mph in less than three seconds and a top speed of 216 mph. Street car production began in December 2016, but fittingly, the model appeared well before that on the track. Notably, the Ford GT made its highly anticipated return to Le Mans in June of that year; there, Ford achieved an extraordinary LMGTE Pro class victory (as well as third- and fourth-place class finishes) on the 50th anniversary of their 1966 race. Ford’s street version of the GT was initially offered to the general public as 2017 and 2018 models, with Ford requiring those interested to navigate a strict application process.

In February 2017, Ford debuted the limited-edition Competition Series following their win at Daytona. The Ford GT Competition Series was devised for the track-minded enthusiast, with several weight saving changes found on the car. This was highlighted with numerous carbon fiber parts, a Perspex acrylic engine hatch cover and carbon fiber prop rod, thinner bulkhead Gorilla Glass behind the driver, carbon fiber wheels, titanium lug nuts, and titanium exhaust. Further weight savings were made possible by the removal of the air conditioning, radio, and speakers, as well as storage and cup holders. While an air-conditioned version with similar features would not become available until Ford released the Carbon Series in 2019, a “Lightweight” version bridged the gap for a select group of customers, offering the weight saving features of the Competition Series while retaining creature comforts such as air conditioning and the 6.5-inch infotainment system.

This 2019 Ford GT “Lightweight” was special-ordered through Alan Jay Ford of Sebring, Florida. It is finished in Liquid Blue Tri-Coat, a $5,000 option, accented by carbon fiber stripes and exposed carbon fiber trim with a gloss finish. This GT is desirably equipped with the aforementioned 600A “Lightweight” package. A $70,000 option, this package includes Lightweight graphics (a carbon fiber stripe), 20-inch gloss exposed carbon fiber wheels, titanium lug nuts, titanium exhaust, the exterior gloss carbon fiber package, polycarbonate rear engine hatch with additional venting, and a lightweight Alcantara over carbon fiber steering wheel. The GT’s carbon fiber wheels are wrapped with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. They are brought to a stop by Silver Brembo brake calipers, a $1,000 option. The GT’s interior is completed in Carbon, accented nicely by carbon fiber trim, including the door sills. It features fixed carbon fiber Sparco seats with factory-installed six-point seat belt harness anchors, a $1,500 add-on.

Immediately following delivery of the GT, the consignor had the car trailered to a highly respected shop in Florida for paint protection. The front of the car was wrapped in Suntek Ultra PPF, while the rear fenders, doors, interior door sills and rocker panels were all wrapped in Xpel, including a double 10-milimeter layer on the bottom of the doors and behind the rear wheel openings. The total cost for the paint protection was $6,401.50; the invoice and associated paperwork is on file. In its short life, the car has accrued just 8.2 delivery miles from new at the time of cataloguing.

The consignor has retained all of the Ford qualification correspondence, acceptance, and ordering process items, highlighted by the serialized Ford GT ordering kit—which gave buyers an idea of what their future car might look like depending on the exterior color, wheel options, and interior fabric chosen. Upon taking delivery of the GT the consignor set aside the original delivery protective items including the fabric seat covers and steering wheel cover, all of which are included with the car. Additional documentation includes the car’s window sticker, as well as production photos from Multimatic Niche Vehicles (MNV). The car is accompanied by a spare key, owner’s manual (printed out and placed in binder), air compressor, front license plate bracket, as well as the optional serialized Ford GT fitted indoor car cover in white.

With its breathtaking performance, stunning good looks, and racing pedigree, the new Ford GT is a must-have for any Blue Oval collector or supercar enthusiast.