Just as promised, Ford auctioned off the first VIN 001 2019 Ford GT Heritage Edition for charity, with the Gulf Racing-liveried supercar selling for $2.5 million at the 48th Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction. Earlier on Friday, the first 2020 Mustang GT500 raised $1.1 million.
All proceeds went to charity; Earnings from the sale of the 2019 GT will go to support United Way for Southeastern Michigan, while those from the sale of the 2020 Mustang GT500 will benefit JDRF, the leading global organization funding for type 1 diabetes research.
The winning bidder of the VIN 001 2019 Ford GT Heritage Edition is Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. As part of the deal, Hendrick is free to sell his GT whenever he pleases, as Ford isn’t limiting him with a contract.
“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.”
Apart from finished in the celebrated Gulf Racing livery, 2019’s first Ford GT Heritage Edition features exposed carbon A-pillars, 20-inch forged aluminum wheels, a black Alcantara interior with contrasting blue and orange stitching, anodized paddle shifters and more.
The powertrain remains unchanged, meaning a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost with 647 hp (656 PS) and 550 lb-ft (744 Nm) of torque that’s paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Ford claims that the 2019 GT will do 216 mph (347 km/h) flat out.