Among the 4,038 Ford GTs produced from 2005 to 2006, only a select few hold a special place in Ford’s history. The 2006 Ford GT Heritage Edition No. 3 featured here is not just a limited-edition supercar but also the first Heritage Edition to be unveiled to the public.
This number holds significance not only for its production order but also as one of the earliest physical embodiments of Ford’s tribute to its legendary 1960s motorsport victories.
Interestingly, the first two units were retained by Ford for internal purposes, making this car the first Heritage Edition to reach a customer. However, it has remained largely in storage, rarely driven—a situation set to change as it heads to auction.
The 2006 Heritage Edition was created to honor Ford’s historic 1-2-3 finish at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, solidifying its legacy in motorsport history, particularly the iconic Gulf-liveried GT40s that dominated endurance racing in the late 1960s.
Clad in the iconic Gulf Blue and orange livery, this edition instantly evokes the GT40 Mk I that triumphed at Le Mans in 1968 and 1969. Ford’s decision to revive this color scheme was more than nostalgia—it was a celebration of innovation, endurance, and racing spirit.
Only 343 Heritage Editions were produced for 2006, making each a coveted collectible. Beyond the paint, the edition features distinctive orange racing stripes, white roundels, and heritage badges, setting it apart from the standard GT.
Inside, the cabin boasts black leather seats with embossed GT logos, a six-speed manual transmission, and a minimalist design focused on driver engagement.
Beneath the heritage paint, No. 3 packs pure modern performance. It’s powered by a supercharged 5.4-liter V8 engine, delivering 550 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed manual transmission.
Even nearly two decades later, those figures remain impressive. The blend of raw power and analog driving feel captures the essence of the Ford GT program: a machine worthy of its legendary ancestors, yet engineered with 21st-century technology.
What further distinguishes Heritage Edition No. 3 is its provenance. This GT was exclusively owned and used by Ford Motor Company throughout its life. It served as a marketing and media vehicle, appearing in promotional materials and events.
This usage gives the car a unique historical imprint: it’s not just a collectible but a piece of Ford’s brand narrative. The auction includes a certificate of authenticity and the original build book, documenting every stage of its creation. These artifacts ensure its story remains verified and complete.
The car’s history includes two minor incidents: a rear-end collision in November 2005 and a rollover in October 2006, resulting in underbody damage. Both were reported as minor and consistent with its testing and media use.
With 8,435 miles on the odometer, this GT has been driven, not stored, yet always preserved with care. Its sale will contribute to Ford’s Heritage Fleet program, announced in 2025, supporting the restoration and maintenance of nearly 500 historic Ford vehicles worldwide.
In every respect, the 2006 Ford GT Heritage Edition No. 3 is a remarkable intersection of heritage, authenticity, and engineering excellence. It’s a car that connects Ford’s greatest motorsport triumphs to its modern identity: the first of its kind unveiled to the public, built to honor a past that continues to inspire the future.
This Ford GT Heritage Edition No. 3 is set to be auctioned at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale under the lot listing “2006 Ford GT Heritage Edition No. 3,” bringing this legendary car to a global collector audience.
In recent years, the market for 2006 Ford GT Heritage Editions has shown strong demand: prices range from approximately $695,000 in online auctions to over $1,000,000 at premier events.
The current market standard for Heritage Editions is around $679,000, with recent sales of similar models typically ranging from $640,000 to $765,000. Given its unique provenance, low mileage, and status as the first Heritage Edition sold to a customer, this example is expected to exceed comparable sales at auction.
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