We saw a lot of cool, rare and expensive cars over the 8-day auction in Scottsdale, AZ. As usual, the most anticipated vehicles appeared on the auction block on Friday and Saturday night, January 18th and 19th.
But the spotlight really belongs to the Ford GT Heritage Edition, which became the most valuable car sold during the entire event.
2019 Ford GT Heritage Edition VIN 001 – $2.5 million
2019 Ford GT Heritage Edition (VIN 001) was the most expensive item Saturday night at Barrett-Jackson’s Scottsdale auction. The vehicle sold for $2.5 million to Rick Hendrick – owner of the American NASCAR team.
The proceeds are going to United Way of Southeastern Michigan. This chapter of United Way works for the prosperity of communities in Southeastern Michigan.
Ford GT is a tribute car to the Ford GT40, which won the Le Mans race four consecutive years in a row from 1966 to 1969. In 2016, the second generation Ford GT was unveiled to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1-2-3 victory in 1966.
At the heart of the car is a 3.5-liter, twin turbo, EcoBoost V6 engine, generating 647 hp and 550 lb/ft of torque. It’s mated to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission – Getrag 7DCL750.
The GT is really light – just 3,354 lb. The low weight is courtesy of a carbon fiber construction, aluminum front and rear subframes and Gorilla Glass windshield. It offers one of the best power to weight ratios found in production cars – 1.92 hp per 10 lbs.
The 2019 Ford GT is a true track-bred car. It packs performance comparable to big name supercars.
- 0 – 60 mph: 2.8 seconds
- 0 – 100 mph: 6.0 seconds
- Top speed: 216 mph
Of course, Heritage Edition comes with the iconic “Gulf Oil” blue and orange paint, as well as the #9 on the hood and doors.
3 2006 Ford GT Heritage Editions – $1,489,000 (total)
Another three Ford GT units sold the same night. These are first generation 2006 GT models, also with the Heritage Edition package. They sold for $462,000, $495,000 and $533,500 respectively.
In 2002, a concept Ford GT premiered as part of Ford’s 100th anniversary. Actual production began in 2004 and ended in 2006 with a total of 4,038 units. However, only 343 units of the 2006 model were built with the Heritage Edition package, making it a rare car to see.
The car is powered by a Ford Modular, 5.4-liter, V8 engine. It features an all-aluminum block, forged rotating assembly, and a unique DOHC system with higher lift and duration. The engine is rated for 550 hp and 500 lb/ft of torque.
The body and chassis employ unique (at the time) manufacturing techniques. The floor panels are roll-bonded. The center tunnel is friction stir welded and covered by a magnesium center console. The body is all aluminum with single piece door panels.
The car has amazing performance, though the 13-year gap between it and the 2019 model is evident:
- 0-60 mph: 3.6 seconds
- Quarter mile: 11.8 seconds
- Top speed: 205 mph
