Ford to field Mustang GT3s in livery honoring a 1901 car — Motor1

The Ford Racing factory team will compete with two Mustang GT3 cars in a special livery dedicated to the 1901 Sweepstakes race car. Cars No. 64 and No. 65 will start the 10-hour Motul Petit Le Mans race on October 3 at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta in the GTD Pro class, Motor1 reports.

Sweepstakes-inspired livery

The new design recreates the color scheme of the two-seat Sweepstakes, in which Henry Ford won a 10-mile race in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, on October 10, 1901. He then beat Alexander Winton, one of the notable automakers and racers of that era.

This result helped Henry Ford attract investors for his next automotive venture. Ford Motor Company was incorporated in June 1903. The original Sweepstakes, according to the publication, could reach a speed of about 60 miles per hour.

Instead of the usual blue-and-white colors, the Mustang GT3s received a black background with burgundy and gold graphics. The bodywork also features the original Ford Motor Company logo in gold, the Racing Since 1901 inscription on the hood, and elements referring to the company’s founding in 1903.

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Driver lineups and illuminated emblem

Car No. 64 will be driven by Dennis Olsen and Ben Barker, while Christopher Mies and Frédéric Vervisch will take the wheel of Mustang No. 65. Their racing suits were styled after the three-piece suit in which Henry Ford reportedly competed in 1901.

For Petit Le Mans, Ford will also fully illuminate the horse emblem on a factory Mustang GT3 for the first time. Inside the illuminated emblem will be a black-and-gold American flag associated with the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States.

Ford has already confirmed that the factory Mustang GT3 program will continue competing in GTD Pro with the same team lineup in the 2027 season.