Ford is turning one of the most important moments in its history into a striking new look for the Mustang GT3, celebrating 125 years since the race that helped set the foundation for the company we know today.
The special design will appear on the number 64 and 65 Mustang GT3 race cars competing in the GTD Pro category at the Motul Petit Le Mans at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta.
More than a simple visual tribute, the new livery connects the modern Mustang GT3 with the 1901 Sweepstakes race car driven by Henry Ford in a victory that would eventually help attract the investors needed to establish Ford Motor Company.
On October 10, 1901, Henry Ford competed in a ten mile race in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, driving a purpose built two seat race car known as Sweepstakes.
Ford defeated Alexander Winton, who was one of the most established automobile manufacturers and racing drivers of the era.
The Sweepstakes was capable of reaching approximately 96 km per hour, an extraordinary figure during the early years of the automobile.
That victory gave Henry Ford valuable recognition and helped attract financial support for his future automotive ambitions. Less than two years later, Ford Motor Company was officially established in June 1903.
Ford went beyond simply adding historic logos to the Mustang GT3. Its design team created a complete visual identity inspired by the appearance and significance of the original Sweepstakes race car.
The usual blue and white racing colors have been replaced by a dark background featuring deep burgundy and gold graphics. A historic Ford logo finished in gold adds another connection to the early days of the company.
The hood also carries the words Racing Since 1901 alongside visual references to the founding of Ford in 1903.
Even the driver suits join the celebration. Their design draws inspiration from the three piece suit worn by Henry Ford when he competed in the historic race.
While the exterior celebrates the past, Ford has also introduced a modern visual feature at the rear of the Mustang GT3.
The Mustang Pony emblem on the rear bumper is now fully illuminated through a feature called Glow Pony.
Inside the illuminated emblem is an American flag design finished in black and gold, creating another distinctive detail on the race car while recognizing the 250th anniversary of the United States.
The result combines modern lighting technology with one of the most recognizable symbols in Ford performance history.
The Sweepstakes inspired design represents much more than a temporary racing livery. It highlights how deeply motorsport is connected to the origins of Ford itself.
A victory achieved at around 96 km per hour on a race course in 1901 helped open the door to the creation of one of the largest automotive companies in the world. Today, that story continues through the Mustang GT3 competing at some of the most demanding endurance races on the international calendar.
Ford has also confirmed its commitment to continuing the Mustang GT3 racing program with its established driver lineup in future IMSA competition.
For motorsport fans, the special Mustang GT3 offers a rare visual connection between the machine that helped launch the Ford story and one of the most advanced racing Mustangs ever created.
Started my career in Automotive Journalism in 2015. Even though I'm a pharmacist, hanging around cars all the time has created a passion for the automotive industry since day 1.
SHARE
