Ford honors a race car that won nothing, yet was very important to the brand

Special is the new normal. Ford has released no fewer than seven different Heritage Edition versions since production of the new GT began in late 2016, but this might just be our favorite so far. And not just because it’s Iron Man’s colors.

The Alan Mann Heritage Edition is a tribute to the two experimental Ford GTs from the 1960s. Alan Mann Racing (AMR, not to be confused with Aston Martin Racing) built the lightweight racers in 1965 and ’66. These Mk1s were made of aluminum and painted in the classic AMR livery. Although they never won races, they contributed to the development of the Le Mans-winning Mk2.

The Alan Mann Heritage Edition obviously shows a similar color scheme. Oh, and since it’s a Heritage Edition, it must have race number medallions on it. There’s no retro without shields, right? Elsewhere, there’s plenty of visible carbon fiber on the front splitter, side sills, mirrors and rear diffuser. The lightweight wheels are made of the same material. Curbs weren’t good friends of yours already.

Not everyone can buy the Ford GT Alan Mann Heritage Edition

The interior is fairly understated, with more carbon fiber and lots of black Alcantara. Look at those red paddle shifters – lovely. Ford says the Alan Mann Heritage Edition will only be available to “approved” GT customers. The number they plan to build is unknown. Production of the GT will end sometime this year, so get yourself one soon.