Ford race car to be auctioned for United Way
A high point in Ford's competition history was in 1968 and 1969, when its team won back-to-back 24 Hours of Le Mans races in a GT40. To celebrate, Ford has taken one of its 2019 Ford GT Heritage Edition vehicles (VIN 001) and painted it in the same Gulf Oil baby blue and orange colors as the 1960s race car.
On Jan. 19, it'll cross the block at the 48th annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, with proceeds going to United Way for Southeastern Michigan.
The car features exposed carbon fiber accents inside and out and sports unique 20-inch, one-piece forged aluminum wheels in high-gloss dark stainless with black lug nuts. There's also orange brake calipers and silver mirror caps.
For 2019 only, the package features the No. 9 graphics on the hood and doors as well as a ghosted image on the interior door panels.
Inside the cabin, there's Ebony Alcantara leather on the seats, instrument panel, pillars, headliner and steering wheel. Contrasting blue and orange stitching accentuates the seats and steering wheel, with a new seat embossment inspired by the original Le Mans-winning car. There's clear and polished anodized paddle shifters, as well.
There's also a unique serialized identification plate, too.
Bugatti & Champagne Carbon
Bugatti is celebrating its 110th anniversary in 2019, and to celebrate, they're not just popping bubbly, but pouring it out of a bespoke bottle, too.
The automaker has partnered with Champagne Carbon, the official champagne of F1 racing, to release a special edition bottle wrapped in carbon fiber. Inside is a blended champagne that is 90 percent chardonnay and 10 percent pinot noir, from a 2002 vintage. No word on pricing, quantities or availability.
• Contact Matt Avery at auto@dailyherald.com.