After its infamous failed bid to take over Ferrari, the Ford Motor Company, under personal direction from Henry Ford II, resolved to humble founder Enzo Ferrari at the crucible of motorsports, the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Ford proceeded to assemble the world’s best drivers and car-builders to build, by any means necessary, a racing machine capable of dethroning the world-renowned Italian company. 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. Ford would win the race again in 1967, 1968, and 1969 for an incredible four consecutive championships.

Ford followed up the GT40 with a retro-inspired homage simply called the GT in 2005, which hewed closely to the original in overall design. Then, at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, 50 years after the GT40 won the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Ford unveiled a long-awaited follow-up. This second iteration of the modern GT proved that the company could still produce a world-beating, mid-engine supercar, only this time it was t a futuristic interpretation using cutting-edge design elements throughout its construction.

The new GT engine was based on the 3.5-liter V-6 from Ford’s best-selling F-150 pickup, but upgraded with turbos, an aluminum intake manifold, special camshafts, and a custom dry-sump lubrication system. It was paired with a quick-shifting, seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission. In 2020, the engine was revamped with gallery-cooled pistons and high-energy ignition coils, boosting output by 13 horsepower to a claimed 660 horsepower. The new tuning also yielded a broader torque band while overall torque output remained the same. Redesigning the rear distinctive rear flying-buttress air ducts increased airflow by almost 50 percent while a new titanium exhaust system by Akrapovič shed nine pounds. Curb weight of the Ford GT was impressively light, at only 3,354 pounds.

The driver and passenger sit in a radically designed carbon-fiber monocoque chassis with lightweight aluminum front and rear subframes. Every exterior body panel is made of carbon fiber with distinctive aerodynamic channels to ingeniously direct air to the engine and brakes while maximizing downforce. Anchored by Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes with six-piston calipers and huge 15.5-inch front rotors, the GT also employed hydraulic power steering for precise feedback. Being race-bred, the car sits on a pushrod suspension system using active aerodynamics with a hydraulically adjustable rear wing. Depending on the driving mode, ride height and downforce can be adjusted for optimal performance.

All this technology reportedly enables the GT to reach 60 mph in three seconds and cover a standing quarter mile in 10.8 seconds on its way to a 216-mph top speed.

Ford has planned for only a single-car-per-day production assembly to ensure each GT is up to their utmost standards. The initial allocation process for the GT was extremely selective, with owners having to apply to Ford, proving their case for why they should be allowed to buy the GT. After an agonizing wait, the owner of this GT was one of the lucky few who were able to buy one of the first examples.

This 2020 Ford GT is one of 50 examples built in the ’69 Heritage Edition configuration to commemorate the GT40 Mk I race car that was victorious at the 1969 24 Hours of Le Mans. Displaying just under 500 miles at the time of cataloging, it is finished in Heritage Blue with Competition Orange stripes over a ’69 Heritage interior.

Exterior optional equipment includes the Heritage Roundel Graphics package, 20-inch gloss-finish, exposed-carbon-fiber wheels, Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes with Heritage Orange painted calipers and gloss carbon-fiber exterior trim.

The interior features Alcantara trim—prized in motorsports for its light weight and grippy texture—a stainless, matte-painted X-brace with optional six-point racing harness anchors, and an F1-inspired steering wheel, likewise wrapped in Alcantara. The minimalist digital instrument cluster continues the racing them and is juxtaposed by matte carbon-fiber trim and a stalkless steering column with anodized black aluminum shift paddles.

This one-owner, 69’ Heritage Edition GT offers a rare chance to acquire one of Ford’s most legendary supercars in a unique specification, with fantastic optional extras and a striking, historical color scheme.