Celebrating the 1966 winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the 2017 Ford GT.
It was 50 years ago that Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon took the checkered flag at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans in their No.2 Ford GT40 Mark II. It was part of a historic 1-2-3 sweep, beating both Porsche and Ferrari. Capturing the podium was an incredible achievement for an American automaker, and is being celebrated 50 years later with a limited-run of 2017 Ford GT ’66 Heritage Edition models.
Although Ford just missed a 1-2-3 podium at the 2016 24 Hours of Le Mans, its new GT super car has still made quite an impression in the automotive world.
“Celebrating the anniversary of Ford’s historic victories at Le Mans has always been a part of the return of the Ford GT,” said Raj Nair, Ford executive vice president, product development, and chief technical officer. “The 2017 Ford GT ’66 Heritage Edition is a stunning tribute to the car that kicked off Ford’s string of Le Mans victories in 1966.”
The limited Ford GT ’66 Heritage Edition features a Shadow Black exterior paint wearing a choice of gloss or matte finish. Contrasting Silver stripes run from the front fascia, across the hood and roof, and to the rear of the mid-engined super car while the exposed carbon fiber package showcases its lightweight nature. A large No.2 hood graphic in Frozen White is proudly on display as well as matching door graphics, pointing to the car that Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon drove. To finish it off, lightweight one-piece, 20-inch forged wheels are worn with a gold satin clearcoat finish contrasted by black lug nuts.
Inside, both of the Ford GT carbon fiber seats are upholstered in Ebony leather with pillowed inserts and plow-through stitching. Ford GT logos are embossed in the headrests and steering wheel while gold appliqués are featured on the seat X-brace, shift paddles, and instrument panel. The same Ebony leather also adorns the instrument panel, pillars, and headliner. To pay tribute to the original Le Mans racer, the Ford GT ’66 Heritage Edition boasts a leather-wrapped steering wheel and blue webbing on the seat belts.
To further distinguish the Ford GT ’66 Heritage Edition, a serialized identification plate comes standard along with No.2 door graphics inside the cabin. Carbon fiber in a matte finish is featured on the door sills, air register pods, and center console.
“While the looks are distinctly based on the GT40 Mark II race car,” said Garen Nicoghosian, exterior design manager for the Ford GT ’66 Heritage Edition, “we’ve accentuated new styling cues to provide a modern interpretation.”
The Ford GT ’66 Heritage Edition will be strictly limited and only be available as a 2017 model. Pricing and official numbers have not been released.
Ford GT ’66 Heritage Edition Gallery
Source: Ford
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