Ford’s Historic Step
For the first time in its history, Ford has opened access to its private Heritage Fleet collection for the sale of a vehicle. This is a unique event, as previously these vehicles were used exclusively for the brand’s internal needs.
Vehicle Features
This concerns the 2006 GT Heritage Edition model numbered 003, which was used by Ford for marketing and media tasks. This car is the earliest version of the Heritage Edition and until this moment belonged to the manufacturer itself.
Design and Technical Specifications
The car is painted in Gulf Blue with orange accents, which is a tribute to Ford’s endurance racing victories at Le Mans. Under the rear panel lies a supercharged 5.4-liter V8 engine producing 500 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque, which transmits power to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission.
Sale Terms and Purpose of Funds
The sale will take place at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale in the fall of 2025. The auction winner will not only receive the car but also a certificate of authenticity from Ford, as well as the original build book documenting the manufacturing process. All funds from the sale will be directed towards the restoration and maintenance of the 500-car Heritage collection.
Operating History
Despite the car being in the collection for a long time, it has a certain usage history. It has 8,435 miles on the odometer, as well as two recorded accidents: one involving a low-speed rear-end collision, the other involving running off the road and damaging the underbody. Both events occurred almost twenty years ago, and the damages were fully repaired.
Significance of the Event
This sale is historic not only because of the uniqueness of the car but also because it will be the first to leave Ford’s personal collection. This makes it especially valuable for collectors and brand enthusiasts.
This step by Ford may indicate a change in approach to managing historical assets, where closed collections are gradually becoming accessible to the public. Such initiatives not only preserve heritage but also attract a new generation of enthusiasts, demonstrating how automotive history can come alive through auctions and open sales.