Alan Mann was the independent entrepreneur and race-car builder who taught the Ford Motor Co. how to win at the track back in the 1960s when Ford managed to defeat legendary Ferrari team at the 24-Hours of Le Mans.
As a tribute to Alan Mann Racing’s 1966 Ford GT lightweight experimental prototypes, Ford created the 2022 Ford GT Alan Mann Heritage Edition, which makes its debut at the 2022 Chicago Auto Show.
This limited-edition vehicle celebrates the role the prototypes played in the history of the development of the Ford GT.
A storied history
In 1965-66, Alan Mann Racing used lighter materials to create AM GT-1, along with a second car, based on the GT Mk I. While neither prototype won a major race, the use of lightweight materials helped Ford win Le Mans with the GT Mk II in 1966.
Hall’s prototype didn’t race at Le Mans, the company’s Le Mans committee chose to run the heavier and more powerful 7.0-liter V-8 race cars for the rest of the 1966 season, leading to the 1-2-3 podium sweep for Ford at Le Mans — besting Ferrari. The victory is celebrated in the film, “Ford v. Ferrari,” as well as Ford Motor Co. lore to this day.
The sweep of the heavier car at Le Mans also ended the run of the English team’s lightweight version.
Paying homage
“It’s a great honor for Alan Mann Racing and the Mann family to celebrate the epic motorsports heritage of Ford GT with this fantastic limited-edition car,” said Henry Mann, director, Alan Mann Racing Ltd.
The livery of the limited-edition car features Alan Mann Racing’s signature red and gold exterior with contemporary touches of exposed carbon fiber and Frozen White accents. It will be displayed in Chicago alongside the 1966 Ford AM GT-1 prototype hand built by Hall.
“To see the red and gold colors of our team’s livery come back to life, and to debut this new GT alongside one of our original GT40s in Chicago, will be a magical occasion,” Mann said.
In addition to the unique red exterior paint with gold graphics, this limited-edition GT includes a dual over-the-roof racing stripe, Frozen White signature accent stripes and roundels with No. 16 on the doors, hood and underside of the rear wing.
Carbon fiber flair
Exposed carbon fiber elements include the 20-inch wheels, front splitter, side sills, mirrors, engine louvers and rear diffuser. Brembo brake calipers lacquered in black with red graphics, plus black lug nuts.
The carbon fiber also shows up in the cabin, appearing on door sills, console and registers. The seats also have a modern touch since they are wrapped in Ebony Alcantara, featuring gold and red accent stitching, while embossed seating surfaces and head restraints carry the GT logo.
In another contemporary flourish, the instrument panel is wrapped in Ebony leather and Alcantara, while pillars and headliner are wrapped in Ebony Alcantara.
“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. “With its red and gold livery, this Ford GT is inspired by Alan Mann Racing’s contribution to our Le Mans-winning story.”
