Ford Racing Is Two Years Older Than Ford, And This Mustang GT3 Proves It

  • Ford Racing celebrates 125 years with a retro Mustang GT3 livery.
  • The black, gold, and burgundy scheme mirrors the 1901 Sweepstakes.
  • Both factory race cars will compete at Petit Le Mans in the new look.

Ford might be 123 years old but it is already celebrating 125 years of racing with a retro livery for the latest IMSA GTD Pro Mustang. The company pays homage to Henry Ford’s first-ever race back in 1901, which he won in a vehicle called “Sweepstakes”.

On October 10, 1901, Ford raced the primitive automobile at a local event held at Grosse Pointe in Michigan, approaching speeds close to 60 mph (97 km/h). The durability of the engine contributed to a surprise victory, which helped attract new investors for the Ford Motor Company, eventually founded two years later in June 16, 1903.

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In order to celebrate the early beginnings of its motorsport involvement, Ford Racing has unveiled a special livery for its modern race cars. A pair of factory-backed IMSA GTD Pro race cars wearing the old-new colors will tackle the 10-hour Petit Le Mans race, scheduled to take place at the Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta on October 3.

Ford

Ford went to great lengths to ensure historical accuracy, replicating the color palette of the Sweepstakes with a “comprehensive color-matching process”. The new dress features burgundy and gold graphics against a black background. It features the original logo of Ford Motor Company in gold and “racing since 1901” lettering on the hood.

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What is interesting is that the retro livery of the Mustang GT3s taking part in the Petit Le Mans will gain a modern twist after the sunset. The company added a new, fully illuminated version of the pony graphic on the profile, displaying the American flag in black and gold as a homage to the 250th anniversary of the United States.

Finally, the drivers of the Mustangs will wear special full-body fire suits replicating the three-piece suit that Henry Ford wore in 1901.