Ford Offering Limited-Edition Le Mans Tribute GT

WESTLAND, Mich.,–– In honor of the historic 1967 Ford GT Le Mans victory 50 years ago, Ford is offering limited-edition Le Mans tribute GT models with special trims and features paying tribute to the classic '67 style. The 2018 Ford GT's Special Edition Tribute model will pay homage to this historical event with styled exterior, interior, and performance features that will allow drivers to stand out on and off the road in style. This limited-edition vehicle will only be available for a short time, so make sure you get your hands on one as soon as possible!

The limited-edition 2018 Ford GT Tribute will feature a Red Race exterior with white stripes and a carbon exposed package, with frosted white No. 1 hood and door graphics to compliment the race car theme. The 20' aluminum wheels help to complete this look, and the all-leather interior with red stitching matches the exterior in a stylish and classic fashion. With uniquely serialized identification plates and exposed matte carbon fiber door sills and center console, the new GT is designed to impress while paying tribute to one of Ford's greatest accomplishments in the history of racing.

“In creating a worthy successor to the 2017 Heritage edition, we logically looked at our next historic Le Mans victory with the all-American team of Dan Gurney and A.J. Foyt,” said Dave Pericak, global director Ford Performance. “The 2018 Ford GT ’67 Heritage edition pays homage to that win, with a modern take on one of the most important vehicles in Ford’s storied history of racing.”

Honoring a 50 year-old legacy isn't easy. Paying tribute to the timeless style of the late-60s performance vehicles while moving forward with cutting-edge technology, Ford offers limited-edition Le Mans Tribute GT models to customers who want the modern feel with a classic look. If you are interested in ordering a 2018 Ford GT or GT Tribute model, give us a call and we'll set up the order for you right away! Customize your GT or other Ford vehicle with our accessories, and make your vehicle stand out on the road with any of the parts we offer, whether you want a custom look or something eye-catching and stylish!

North Brothers Ford is located at 33300 Ford Rd Westland, MI 48185 and proudly serves as one of the premier dealerships in Metro Detroit, and is committed to exceptional customer service! Stop by or give us a call at 888-806-7163, our knowledgeable and helpful sales team will be more than happy to assist you!

Visit our website: http://www.northbrosford.net

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The Ford GT40 - A History In Competition

WESTLAND, Mich.,––The Ford GT40 is one of the world's greatest super cars, but many may not understand that its origins lie in competition, specifically against Ferrari. In honor of "throwback thursday" and the spring-like weather that's making us yearn for the open road, we're going to cover the Ford GT40's rich history. So, start your engines and let's begin!

In 1960, Henry Ford II was determined to have a Ford car compete in the prestigious Le Mans race where experienced racing giants had stood victorious. During this time, Enzo Ferrari had become interested in selling his company. Henry Ford II saw the opportunity to take a lead in the racing world, specifically in the 24 Hour Le Mans race, with Ferrari's experience as a platform.

Henry Ford II went about seizing the opportunity to buy Ferrari spending massive amounts of money to audit Ferrari's assets and in legal expenses. In 1963, Ford and his large team of legal assistants and executives flew to Italy to sign and finalize the sale. Enzo Ferrari and his assistant were not only the only two from the Ferrari empire to be there, but they were late to the meeting as well. Upon reading Ford Motor Company's documents in silence, Enzo pointed out a specific part of the text that specified Ford would also be taking the racing portion of Ferrari.

It was then Enzo Ferrari said a terrible "no", refused the sale, and lit a 5-alarm fire under Henry Ford II. After all the honest work Ford went through to obtain Ferrari and its racing technologies, the deal fell completely flat in an instant, rightfully enraging Ford. This new rivalry was said to have changed racing forever.

Ford set out as an underdog to beat the then 4-time Le Mans victor, Ferrari, and develop their own super car. 

Ford started by negotiating with Lola Cars, which ended up with a two-year collaboration and two Mk6 chassis sale agreement. The original MK1 and GT40 were prepared at the Ford Advanced Vehicles in the UK, where a team of various expertise in racing culminated. Even with Ford pouring resources and innovation into racing development, the first six Ford GT40 versions went to the 1964 Le Mans and failed completely; none of the first six versions even made it across the finish line. They went again to the 1965 Le Mans race and yet again had no cars make it across the finish line.

In 1966, all three Ford GT40's that had entered the race swept the top of the competition and took home 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place at Le Mans. Ford then took first place at Le Mans in 1967, 1968, and 1969 with their continually improved GT40 cars. After many years of success, Ford stopped production of the GT in 2006. In 2016 Ford announced the Ford GT would be making a comeback and production began. See the inspiring video below and don't forget your tissues.

This blog was directly inspired by James May's emotionally powered and informative segment in the sixth episode of the premier Grand Tour show, available on Amazon Prime. We're so excited to see the Ford GT compete in this year's Le Mans race happening June 17th & 18th. The next time you can see the Ford GT on the track will be March 15th-18th at the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring in Florida. You can see the full 2017 Ford GT racing schedule online!

North Brothers Ford is located at 33300 Ford Rd Westland, MI 48185 and proudly serves as one of the premier dealerships in Metro Detroit, and is committed to exceptional customer service! Stop by or give us a call at 888-806-7163, our knowledgeable and helpful sales team will be more than happy to assist you!

Visit our website: www.northbros.com

Follow us on social media: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, YouTube and Google+