2006 FORD GT HERITAGE ALREADY PRE-SOLD TO A LONG TERM FRIEND AND COLLECTOR In 2003 Ford Motor Company announced as part of their 100th anniversary, they would build of limited number of continuation Ford GT40's. While most remember the GT40 as a successful 1960's race car, there had to be available a street version otherwise the car could not compete in endurance racing. This makes a strong argument that the GT40 is the first mid-engine street super car. While the exterior would be based on the original body (4 inches taller GT44?), the rest is pure 21st century. The new GT would be powered by a 5.4 liter supercharged V-8 making 550 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque. Built on a superplastic frame, aluminum body panels, friction stir welded center tunnel, and covered by a magnesium center counsel. The first public sale, chassis #10, was on August 4, 2004 to Microsoft executive John Shirley, at a Pebble Beach charity auction, for $557,000. In 2006 Ford decided that the GT40's racing success should be highlighted by a tribute car. But, which one? That proved to be easy "GT40p/1075 aka Old Lady. The Old Lady was only the second car to win Le Mans two years in a row. 343 examples would be made. The Old Lady's story is extraordinary. Legendary endurance racing team manager John Wyer purchased 1075 in 1968. His main sponsor was Gulf Oil. The car was painted robin's egg blue with orange stripes creating an icon. In 1968 1075 won in a walk. At the end of 24 hours it had five laps on the field. But, 1969 would be one Le Mans greatest finishes. After almost 24 hours of racing not only were first and second place on the same lap they were within a seconds of each. 1075 (driven by Le Mans master Jacky Ickx) was running nose to tail with a Porsche 908 driven by Hans Hermann. The lead changed four times during the last two laps. Ickx held on to beat Hermann by 100 meters. Old Lady in her Gulf team colors is an icon truly worthy of a tribute. Less than 400 Original Miles 5.4 Liter 8 Cylinder 550 HP Original Engine 6 Speed Manual Transmission Original Blue & Orange Exterior Original Black Leather Interior BBS Wheels Air Conditioning Power Brakes, Steering, Windows, and Locks
