125 years later, Ford’s first gamble reaches the GT3

A good race livery gives you a reason to look twice. This one sends you back to a time before Ford Motor Company even existed.

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ARTICLE IMAGEFord Mustang GT3 wearing its Sweepstakes inspired heritage livery. Photo: Ford.

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Ford’s September preview revealed a Sweepstakes inspired look for its factory Mustang GT3s at Petit Le Mans on October 3. Cars 64 and 65 would trade their familiar blue and white for colors drawn from Henry Ford’s 1901 racer.

On October 10, 1901, Ford beat Alexander Winton in Sweepstakes. The win attracted investors and helped clear the path toward the company founded in 1903.

The tribute goes beyond paint. Ford worked the original company logo into the design and gave the drivers firesuits styled after period suits.

I like seeing a modern race car carry a story you can actually explain. The contrast between the old colors and all that aero makes this one memorable.

OPEN THE TIME CAPSULE

1901Sweepstakes wins at Grosse Pointe

1903Ford Motor Company is founded

2026The heritage reaches Mustang GT3

YOUR TURN

Which livery approach do you prefer?

HERITAGE COLORSMODERN GRAPHICS

A little history makes the car easier to remember.

A fresh design has its own place on the grid.

Your choice stays on this page.

Source announcement: September 28, 2026. Read the manufacturer’s original report.
Article photography: Ford. Thumbnail: AI assisted editorial artwork based on manufacturer imagery.

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