Ford GT gets a Heritage Edition, plus a 2021 Studio Collection package
It was in 1966 when Shelby’s team came up with the GT40, a pinnacle in Ford's history as it would become the first and only American supercar to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This iconic moment, featured Ken Miles and Lloyd Ruby beating Ferrari. This incredible story was adapted into the feature film, Ford v Ferrari which earned up to four Oscar nominations. Ford has taken it further, by honoring the GT heritage with its recently revealed 2021 Ford GT Heritage Edition which is set to be inspired by the same events.
Naturally, the exterior of the new 2021 Ford GT Heritage Edition will feature similar characteristics as some seen on the Ford GT40 MK II. It features Frozen White exterior paint with an exposed carbon fiber hood. For additional style, it comes with asymmetrical Race Red accents on the front fascia and roof edge, driver's side door, and underneath the rear wing, while exposed carbon fiber shapes the signature 98 roundel graphics. There are also unique Ford graphics on the lower rear-quarter panels plus one-piece Heritage Gold 20-inch forged-aluminium wheels that are paired with red lacquered Brembo monoblock brake calipers.
On the inside, we have black Alcantara® suede wrapping on the instrument panel, headliner, and steering wheel. There are also red-coated paddle shifters and red Alcantara suede performance seats. For those looking for a more distinctive look, Ford has an optional Heritage Upgrade Package which will include 20-inch exposed carbon fiber wheels with a gloss red-painted inner accent barrel, while the monoblock brake calipers are coated in black and detailed with red Brembo. The interior will come with ghosted 98 roundels which offer a fine contrast on both driver and passenger carbon fiber door panels.
Ford has also introduced the all-new Ford GT Studio Collection package which comes with an all-new graphics package that allows customers to customize colours. The graphics package was a design collaboration between Ford Performance and Ford GT manufacturer, Multimatic. Along with this, the Studio Collection package will also include functional cooling ducts that help the 2021 Ford GT deliver its full 660 horsepower performance on a heated session on the track.
Only 40 Ford GTs will receive the Studio Collection package across 2021 and 2022. The body and graphics can be customized with seven colours or even personalized with an extended palette that uses a combination of colours. The deliveries 2021 Ford GT will begin in the early quarter of 2021, while the Ford GT will be wrapping up in 2022.
Also worth a look: the Ford Transit Custom and the Ford Escort Mk1 RS Returns as 800kg Track Weapon.
FAQ
Q: What does the Ford GT Heritage Edition cost in South Africa?
Ford hasn't released official South African pricing for the GT Heritage Edition, but expect it to cost well over R8 million given that standard Ford GTs typically start around R7.5 million in SA markets.
Q: Is the Ford GT Heritage Edition worth buying?
If you've got the cash and love motorsport history, absolutely, this limited edition celebrates Ford's legendary 1966 Le Mans victory with stunning visual details and will likely appreciate in value over time.
Q: How much power does the Ford GT Heritage Edition have?
The Heritage Edition packs the same twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 as the standard GT, producing 485kW and 678Nm of torque, enough to hit 100kph in just 3.3 seconds.
Q: How many Ford GT Heritage Edition models will be made?
Ford is keeping production numbers limited to maintain exclusivity, though they haven't announced exact figures for the Heritage Edition specifically.
Q: What makes the Ford GT Heritage Edition special compared to the regular GT?
The Heritage Edition features unique Frozen White paint with Race Red accents, exposed carbon fibre details, Heritage Gold wheels, special 98 roundel graphics, and an interior wrapped in black Alcantara with red accents.
Should You Buy It?
The Ford GT Heritage Edition is a definite yes if you're a serious collector with R8+ million to spare. This isn't just another supercar, it's a rolling piece of motorsport history that celebrates one of the greatest underdog victories in racing. The attention to detail is exceptional, from the asymmetrical Race Red graphics to those gorgeous Heritage Gold wheels, and the 485kW twin-turbo V6 still delivers mind-bending performance. However, if you're looking for the best supercar value under R8 million in SA, you'd be better off with a McLaren 570S or Lamborghini Huracan. The GT Heritage Edition is purely for those who want exclusivity and heritage over pure bang-for-buck.
