Ford GT Holman Moody Edition Pays Tribute to '66 Le Mans Podium Sweep
Referencing the Ford GT40 Mk II sportscar featured in the film ‘Ford v. Ferrari. ‘
In the 24-hour 1966 Le Mans race, Ford famously swept the contest, claiming all three podium positions. The unprecedented victories reestablished respect for the American automotive industry which was long dominated by its Italian competitors. The story later served as inspiration for the 2019 film Ford v. Ferrari.
The Ford GT Holman Moody Edition in focus is inspired by the livery of the gold GT40 MK II race car that placed third in the ‘66 Le Mans race driven by American duo Ronnie Bucknum and Dirk Hutcherson. Exteriors feature exclusive Holman Moody Gold paint, contemporary carbon fiber touches, Brembo® brake calipers, “Heritage Red” accents, and “Oxford White No.5 “roundels. Cabin interiors are finished in carbon fiber and gold appliqués with ebony Alcantra® fabrics spread across the steering wheel, pillars, headliner, and seats.
“Of all the Ford GT Heritage Edition liveries we’ve done, the Holman Moody Heritage Edition’s can’t-miss signature gold and red theme is an epic tribute to our 1966 Le Mans finish,” said Ford GT program manager, Mike Severson in a press release. “Inspired by one of the most well-known Ford GT40 race cars, this latest Ford GT honors the Holman Moody race team’s know-how and ability to out-innovate global competitors.”
The Holman Moody and Shelby American teams were tasked with reimagining the GT 40 MK II for the Le Mans race and were the main contributors to the success of the history-making racecar as they tweaked everything from the brakes, suspension, and tire setups to designing a new experimental automatic transmission.
“This spirit of innovation continues today, with the 2022 Ford GT’s track-capable hardware, paddle-shifting 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, and carbon fiber body,” Ford said in a statement.
The GT Holman Moody Heritage Edition will make its first public appearance on April 15 at the 2022 New York International Auto Show alongside the 1966 Ford GT40 MKII. First deliveries for approved Ford GT customers begin this spring.
Today @Ford is proud to introduce our final Ford GT Heritage Edition: the 2022 Ford GT Holman Moody Edition. The Holman Moody race team played a critical role improving the GT40 MK II that led to Ford winning the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. https://t.co/7Iq1fswRls pic.twitter.com/7tXXbGdqQT
— Jim Farley (@jimfarley98) April 8, 2022
In other automotive news, Bugatti presents a one-off Chiron Super Sport Sur Mesure “Vagues de Lumière.”
