By: Marshall Pruett | August 24, 2018 1:00 PM Ford has unveiled a new Heritage Edition livery for its GT model that pays tribute to the car’s Le Mans-winning lineage.Presented on Friday at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca wearing the iconic blue and orange colors of Gulf Oil, the Heritage Edition will be made available as an option for Ford GT buyers through 2020.“Many view the Gulf Oil paint scheme as the most famous in motorsports,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president, global operations.

“The 1968 GT40 quickly became a global sensation after beating its European competitors on the track four times in a row, and in honor of the 50th anniversary of its win, we’re paying fresh tribute to the original with a new heritage limited edition.”Plans for the twin-turbo V6-powered Heritage Edition GT include shipping the car with No. 9 branding in 2019, which pays tribute the 1968 Le Mans win with Ford GT40 chassis No. 1075, and No. 6 liveries in 2020, which the GT40 used on the way to victory in 1969.According to Ford, both iterations will feature “graphics on the hood and doors, as well as a ghosted image on the interior door panels” along with “exposed carbon fiber A-pillars and sports unique 20-inch one-piece forged aluminum wheels in high-gloss dark stainless with black lug nuts.

Orange calipers and silver rearview mirror caps complete the look.”Inside the Heritage Edition, Ford says “Ebony Alcantara wraps the seats, instrument panel, pillars, headliner and steering wheel. Contrasting blue and orange stitching accentuates the seats and steering wheel, with a new seat embossment inspired by the original 1968 Le Mans-winning car as well as clear and polished anodized paddle shifters. High-gloss dark stainless appliqués accent the instrument panel, door register bezels and x-brace to round out the interior. Much like previous heritage models, the Ford GT Heritage Edition features a unique serialized identification plate, plus exposed matte carbon fiber door sills, air register pods and center console.”

Gulf Oil offered its enthusiastic support for the Heritage Edition GT project.“We are delighted to partner with Ford to help the Gulf-themed Heritage Edition Ford GT become reality. The Ford Marque has played a major role in creating Gulf’s place in motoring and motorsporting legend and the same is true in reverse,” said Ravi Chawla, managing directot of Gulf Oil Lubricants India Ltd,.“Every Gulf outright victory at Le Mans has been Ford-powered and of course Gulf Ford GT40s took the latter two wins of Ford’s four consecutive victories at Le Mans from 1966-1969. What could be more fitting than both brands coming together to produce this fantastic motor car – the modern spiritual successor to the amazing Gulf-Ford GT40s that took Le Mans and World Championship honors.”Gallery

GALLERY: 2019 Ford GT Heritage Edition