The connection between the new Ford GT and the blue oval's racing history is more than just skin deep.
While the Ford GT from the mid-noughties was a thoroughbred in its own right, it was never intended to be any kind of full milk hyper car. And part of that was confirmed in the fact that Ford rarely ever took it racing — a somewhat strange factoid when you consider just how much of the GT's history and iconic aura was linked to its domination at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
This new car, however, was engineered specifically to take back Le Mans glory. It was bolted together as a race car first and a road car second, after all. So in somewhat predictable fashion, Ford have brought out a new limited edition model of the 2018 GT; titled the '67 Heritage Edition'.
The car honours Ford's victory at the 1967 24 Hours of Le Mans 50 years ago with American fighter pilots Dan Gurney and A.J. Foyt. This means that it sports a Race Red and white striped paint scheme similar to the MkIV GT40 that Gurney and Foyt's raced, as well as carries a number of other changes.
The interior gains some contrast by virtue of red stitching and red seat belts. A range of new materials have also been introduced, including leather trim on the seats, matte carbon fibre on the sills and centre console, and anodized grey paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. And, like all good limited edition cars, each car will come with a numbered authenticity plate.
This is the second limited-edition 'Heritage' GT that Ford have issued, having already made an homage to the famed 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans victory that came at the hands of New Zealand's Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon.
If you clicked on this story hoping that it would reveal a new special edition with even-more-bonkers performance than the standard GT, then I'm sorry to disappoint you, because no mechanical changes have been made under the skin to the engine, suspension, or any other element of performance.
However, the GT in its own right is already a pinnacle car. It's already incredibly quick, incredibly technical ... It's somewhat doubtful that Ford could make it any quicker if they tried. Although, never say never.
