First 2019 Ford GT Raises $2.5 Million for Charity

The first 2019 Ford GT Heritage Edition supercar with the famous racing paint scheme sold for a whopping $2.5 million dollars this past weekend with the money all going to help the United Way for Southeastern Michigan.

Auction Bypassed the Screening Process

The limited-edition Ford GTs are all highly prized supercars. Typically, potential buyers have to fill out a long application, go through a screening process and agree to certain restrictions to buy the car. For example, buyers have to agree to keep the vehicle for two years and agree to display the vehicle for charity events. None of the restrictions applied to this auction. The buyer can do whatever he wants with the supercar. Rick Hendrick, who owns Hendrick Motorsports, won the bidding.

Joe Hinrichs, the president of Ford Global Operations, drove the 2019 Ford GT Heritage Edition VIN 001 onto the auction block. Hinrichs put on a special Ford GT racing jacket and promised it to the buyer to encourage higher bidding. Edsel Ford also promised to make arrangements to have the vehicle delivered to the Ford Executive Garage to make it easier for the winning bidder.

“The chance to become the owner of the first 2019 Ford GT Heritage Edition with famous Gulf racing colors is an opportunity of a lifetime,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president, global operations. “More importantly, being involved in helping to raise much needed funds and awareness for United Way will help them improve the lives of families in Michigan.”

2019 Ford GT Special Carbon Fiber Edition

The special Gulf Oil paint scheme celebrates the 50th anniversary of the 1968 and 1969 Le Mans-winning GT40 that became one of the most recognizable racecars of all time. The Ford GT40 beat Ferrari 50 years ago to make racing history.

The 2019 Ford GT Heritage Edition celebrates the winning race car with the famous paint scheme, along with exposed carbon fiber accents for both the interior and exterior.

The exterior features exposed carbon fiber A-pillars and sports unique 20-inch one-piece forged aluminum wheels in high-gloss dark stainless with black lug nuts. Orange calipers and silver rearview mirror caps complete the look.
For 2019 only, the package features the No. 9 graphics on the hood and doors as well as a ghosted image on the interior door panels. The 2019 Ford GT Heritage edition also sports leather seats with special blue and orange stitching. It has polished anodized paddle shifters.

The Ford GT Heritage Edition also features a unique serialized identification plate, plus exposed matte carbon fiber door sills, air register pods and center console.

Ford Donating $3.6 Million to Charity

Dr. Darienne Driver, president and CEO of the United Way of Southeastern Michigan said after the auction, “United Way for Southeastern Michigan improves lives and empowers families to succeed by uniting around education, economic prosperity and health,” said Driver. “Proceeds from the sale of this rare Ford GT supercar will bolster our efforts to ensure more families in underserved communities across southeast Michigan can access the resources they need to build a strong, equitable community.”

On Friday night, the first production 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 sold for $1.1 million. Ford is donating those proceeds to the JDRF, which raises money to fight Type 1 diabetes.

Edsel Ford II was on hand for both auctions. Ford said, “Ford Motor Company has always championed and supported organizations that seek to improve the lives of people and communities who are at risk,” said Edsel B. Ford II. “We’re proud to have helped continue this tradition at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale. Working with JDRF and United Way of Southeastern Michigan we helped raise much needed funds and awareness for these two wonderful organizations.”

In all, Ford raised $3.6 million for charity at the Barrett-Jackson Auction, in Scottsdale, Arizona.