Ford GT40 Prototype Re-Imagined In Modern Tribute
2022 Ford GT Alan Mann Heritage Edition pays special tribute to lightweight experimental 1966 Ford GT40 prototype race cars.
Just about everyone is familiar with the iconic story of Ford’s Le Mans wins in the legendary GT40 race car. However, so many people were involved in the development of those cars that not even the scope of the hit movie Ford v Ferrari could cover it all. For example, independent entrepreneur and racing enthusiast Alan Mann is not the first name most think of when it comes to Ford’s Le Mans win. However, without Mann, it may not have happened. His Ford GT40 prototype racers helped influence Ford’s design of the GT40 MkII.
In a recent press release, Ford announced that Mann’s influence and contributions will receive a special tribute in the form of the 2022 Ford GT Alan Mann Heritage Edition. It uses a similar red and gold livery to Mann’s original cars. Additionally, Ford’s decision to leave exposed carbon fiber genuinely pays homage to Mann’s contributions.
AM GT-1: The GT40 Prototype to Influence Ford
To understand why exposed carbon fiber is such an important tribute, one must understand Mann’s importance to the GT40 program. Mann developed two GT40 Prototypes using lightweight materials. The most recognizable being the above pictured AM GT-1. Though these vehicles never won any major races, their innovative use of lightweight materials led to Ford’s integration of the same concept. In addition, these lessons taken from Mann led to Ford’s third and fourth fastest lap times at the 1966 Le Mans trials. The very same year Ford GTs swept all three podium spots at the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans.
So, the lightweight carbon fiber components being left exposed pay homage to Mann’s efforts to lighten the original GT40 for racing purposes. Exposed carbon fiber components on the 2022 Alan Mann Heritage Edition include the wheels, front splitter, side sills, mirrors, engine louvers, and rear diffuser. Furthermore, bare carbon fiber extends into the cabin on door sills, the dash, and the seats.
Of course, the gold and red livery with white accenting is a tasteful modern take on the original AM GT-1 paint scheme. Like the AM GT-1, the 2022 version bares the number 16 on the sides and hood.
“Whether it’s going like hell at the racetrack or out-innovating the competition, the Ford GT Alan Mann Heritage Edition honors the vehicles that helped lead Ford to its wins,” said Mike Severson, Ford GT program manager.
A Well-Deserved Tribute
Behind the rear seats remains the standard Ecoboost V6 engine found in other Ford GT models. However, this particular model isn’t about any sort of extra performance over a standard one. Instead, it, like the rest of the lineup of Ford GT Heritage Editions, serves as a symbolic honor to parts of the GT40 past. After all, without the GT40, we would never have gotten the 2005 Ford GT or the current Ford GT.
The 2022 Alan Mann Heritage Edition Ford GT will be on display at the 2022 Chicago Auto Show alongside the original Mann-built AM GT-1 that inspired it. So, if you’re going to be at the show, don’t miss your chance to stop by for this once-in-a-lifetime viewing opportunity!
Photos: Ford