The $2.5 Million Legend: Why The Ford GT Orange And Blue Gulf Livery Is The Hottest Supercar On The Planet
The Ford GT in its iconic orange and blue livery is more than just a supercar; it is a rolling piece of motorsports history, and as of late 2025, its value has never been higher. This specific color scheme, officially known as the Gulf Livery Heritage Edition, is a direct tribute to the legendary Ford GT40 that secured back-to-back victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1968 and 1969. Recent auction results for low-mileage examples have cemented its status as one of the most collectible and valuable modern automobiles, with prices soaring well into the multi-million dollar range.
The allure of the Heritage Edition lies in its perfect blend of cutting-edge technology—including a 660-horsepower twin-turbo EcoBoost V6—and a timeless racing aesthetic. With the final production run of the second-generation GT completed, the market for these limited-edition models, especially the '68 and '69 Gulf-inspired cars, is experiencing a frenzy, making now the perfect time to delve into the specs and history behind this true American legend.
Biography of a Legend: The Ford GT Gulf Livery Lineage
The "Ford GT Orange and Blue" is not a single model but a lineage of special editions that pay homage to the most recognizable racing livery in history: the Gulf Oil colors. The history of this specific car is a direct reflection of Ford's greatest motorsports triumph.
- Original Race Car: Ford GT40 Mk I (Chassis No. 1075)
- Livery Inspiration: Gulf Oil's powder blue and marigold orange (officially Heritage Blue and Epic Orange).
- Le Mans Victories: 1968 and 1969 (the first and only car to win Le Mans twice with the same chassis).
- First Tribute (Gen 1): 2006 Ford GT Heritage Edition (Limited to 346 units).
- Second Tribute (Gen 2 - '68): 2019 Ford GT '68 Heritage Edition (Limited to 50 units). Honored the 1968 Le Mans winner. Featured exposed carbon fiber components and orange/blue interior stitching.
- Third Tribute (Gen 2 - '69): 2020 Ford GT '69 Heritage Edition (Limited to 50 units). Honored the 1969 Le Mans winner. Featured a distinct design update, including a black pinstripe separating the blue and orange sections.
- Engine: 3.5-liter EcoBoost Twin-Turbo V6.
- Horsepower: 647 hp (2017-2019 models); 660 hp (2020+ models).
- Transmission: Getrag 7-speed dual-clutch automatic.
- Chassis: Carbon fiber monocoque.
The 2020 Ford GT '69 Heritage Edition: Power and Precision Upgrades
While the 2019 '68 Heritage Edition was a stunning tribute, the 2020 model year—which included the '69 Heritage Edition—received significant technical and aesthetic upgrades that make it the superior and most sought-after version of the Gulf Livery car.
The Jump to 660 Horsepower
One of the most crucial updates for the 2020 model year was a bump in power for the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine. Output was increased from 647 horsepower to a robust 660 horsepower (hp), an increase of 13 hp.
This power increase wasn't just a software re-flash; it was the result of continuous EcoBoost innovation and hardware changes. The 2020 Ford GT received improved cooling, including larger intercoolers, and revised buttress air ducts to manage thermal dynamics more effectively.
Additional engine enhancements included gallery-cooled pistons and higher-energy ignition coils, which resulted in a broader torque band. This means the car delivers its immense power more smoothly and across a wider range of the RPM spectrum, translating to better on-track performance and responsiveness.
Aesthetic and Acoustic Refinements
The 2020 '69 Heritage Edition also received subtle but important aesthetic tweaks to the iconic Gulf Livery. The design was updated to include a thin black pinstripe that meticulously divides the Heritage Blue and Epic Orange paint, giving the livery a crisper, more modern edge while still honoring its history.
Perhaps the most welcome change for purists was the addition of a new, standard Akrapovic titanium exhaust system. This exhaust is lighter and, crucially, delivers a much more aggressive and visceral sound profile for the twin-turbo V6, addressing a common critique of earlier GT models. The new exhaust significantly enhances the audible experience, making the 660 hp engine sound as ferocious as it looks.
Market Madness: Current Value and Collectibility
The limited production numbers (only 50 units each for the 2019 '68 and 2020 '69 Heritage Editions) combined with the car's legendary status have pushed its resale value far beyond its original sticker price. These vehicles are now trading hands at astonishing figures, making them a prime focus for high-end collectors and investors.
Recent Auction Highlights
The current market for the orange and blue Ford GT is red hot, with several high-profile sales demonstrating its explosive collectibility:
- $2.5 Million Sale: A VIN 001 2019 Ford GT '68 Heritage Edition was sold for a staggering $2.5 million at a charity auction, setting a high benchmark for the model.
- $1.325 Million Sale: A 2020 Ford GT '69 Heritage Edition with extremely low mileage hammered sold for $1.325 million at an auction in 2023, showcasing the strong, sustained demand for the upgraded 660 hp model.
- Consistent Seven-Figure Listings: Various examples of both the '68 and '69 Heritage Editions, often showing less than 100 miles, are consistently listed for sale with asking prices hovering between $950,000 and $1.5 million (net of taxes), depending on mileage and options.
The rarity of these cars is a key driver. When a low-mileage example, such as one with only 46 or 58 miles, comes to market, it creates a bidding war among collectors eager to acquire one of the most significant modern supercars ever produced.
The Gulf Livery: A Cultural Icon of Speed
The orange and blue color scheme, known globally as the Gulf Livery, transcends mere paint. It is a symbol of American ingenuity defeating European dominance at the highest level of motorsports. The original Ford GT40 Mk I, wearing these colors, was instrumental in securing Ford's legendary wins at Le Mans in 1968 and 1969, a feat that is arguably the pinnacle of the company's racing history.
The modern Ford GT Heritage Edition pays tribute to this legacy not just with paint, but with details like exposed carbon fiber wheels, unique interior stitching in orange and blue, and the number '9' or '6' graphics corresponding to the winning cars. These details elevate the car from a mere high-performance machine to a collectible piece of art.
In conclusion, the Ford GT in its orange and blue Gulf Livery is a phenomenon. It represents the ultimate intersection of historical significance, limited production, and cutting-edge performance. For collectors and enthusiasts, securing a 2019 or 2020 Heritage Edition is not just buying a car; it's investing in a piece of the Le Mans legend, a legend whose value continues to climb higher with every passing year and every new auction record. The 660 hp, titanium-exhaust-equipped 2020 model, in particular, stands as the crowning jewel of the modern GT era.
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