THE ORIGIN AND THE REVIVAL: Honoring a Prototype with a Modern Ford GT
Ford’s desire to dethrone Ferrari at Le Mans became the driving force behind an entirely new era of American endurance racing. That ambition led to the development and debut of the very first GT prototype, known as chassis GT/101, which was unveiled at the 1964 New York International Auto Show. The debut of GT/101 marked the bold new beginning of a program that would soon rewrite motorsports history.
To bring this vision to life, Ford established a dedicated skunkworks operation under the direction of Ford engineer Roy Lunn. Working through Kar Kraft, Lunn secured an agreement with to adapt the Lola Mk6 into a Ford-backed challenger. Their efforts converged inside a newly created home base called Ford Advanced Vehicles (FAV), where racing engineer John Wyer was appointed managing director and tasked with overseeing European competition as well.
A small but talented group from Ford relocated to Slough, England, to collaborate directly with the Lola team. Slough was chosen for its concentration of British specialists, whose craftsmanship proved vital to shaping the early GTs.
Only five GT prototypes were produced, each serving as a rolling laboratory and becoming the earliest Ford GT models to undergo rigorous aerodynamic study aimed squarely at high-speed stability. These cars were the start of the development effort that ultimately delivered the unforgettable 1-2-3 sweep at Le Mans in 1966.
More than half a century after that first prototype was revealed, Ford paid homage to its origin story with the 2022 Ford GT ’64 Heritage Edition. This limited-edition supercar – one of which will be selling with No Reserve at the 2026 Scottsdale Auction, Jan. 17-25 – draws direct visual inspiration from the 1964 original shown in New York on April 3 of that year, an ancestor that would ultimately lead the United States to its only Le Mans-winning supercar lineage.
Dressed in a striking Wimbledon White finish accented by Antimatter Blue graphics, including a triple stripe stretching across the roof, the car balances heritage cues with the modern craftsmanship for which the Ford GT has come to be known.
Beneath its historic livery, the ’64 Heritage Edition is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 delivering 660 horsepower, paired with a rapid-shifting 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Its performance foundation is built around a carbon-fiber monocoque chassis with a race-honed suspension system engineered specifically to meet Ford GT demands.
Inside, carbon fiber continues as the structural and visual centerpiece, appearing on the door sills, lower A-pillars, console and registers. Lightspeed Blue Alcantara-wrapped carbon-fiber seats feature silver stitching and embossed GT logos, tying into an instrument panel trimmed in Ebony leather and Lightspeed Blue Alcantara. The steering wheel receives an Ebony Alcantara wrap with black stitching, and the polished dual-clutch paddle shifters add a subtle motorsport touch.
Included with the sale of this ’64 Heritage Edition Ford GT is the full factory delivery packet, assembly and provenance records, and original protective transport materials, along with a personalized indoor car cover. At the time of writing, the GT had just 319 actual miles.
In every respect, this 2022 Ford GT ’64 Heritage Edition serves as a bridge between eras, an artifact of modern engineering built to honor one of the most pivotal moments in American motorsports history. When it crosses the block at WestWorld, it offers one lucky bidder the chance to own a living chapter of Ford’s racing heritage.
—
The action starts at WestWorld of Scottsdale on Friday, Jan. 16, with country music superstar Cole Swindell performing live for the 3rd annual “Rock The Block” concert in the auction arena. In addition, the opening act will feature multi-platinum singer-songwriter Chase Rice.
Bidder registration and VIP Experiences hospitality packages are available on Barrett-Jackson.com. Throughout the nine-day Scottsdale Auction, children age 12 and under enjoy complimentary admission with a paying adult. General admission tickets for students age 13 through college age are $10 and adult ticket prices start at $27. Visit Barrett-Jackson.com for more information.
