A piece of modern Ford history will roll across the Barrett-Jackson auction block soon, when the automaker offers a 2006 Ford GT Heritage Edition—production No. 3—without reserve as part of an impressive lineup of Ford and Shelby collectible vehicles.
Although officially the third Heritage Edition built, this example carries an even greater distinction: it was the first Heritage Edition ever released to the public. The first two production numbers remained in Ford’s possession, making this car the earliest to leave the factory.
Finished in the unmistakable Gulf Blue and Heritage Orange paint scheme, this limited-run model was Ford’s tribute to the GT40 race cars that captured four consecutive Le Mans victories from 1966 to 1969. Heritage Editions came with white roundels, orange racing stripes, and special badging that set them apart from standard GTs, which were already some of the most desirable performance cars of their era.
Listen to this audio from a report last week from WBAP News’ anchor Kimberly James who spoke with Ted Ryan, Ford archive and Heritage brand manager about the sale:
Underneath the livery is the same supercharged 5.4-liter V8 found in all 2005-06 GTs, rated at 550 horsepower and paired with a six-speed manual transmission. With a mid-engine layout and rear-wheel drive, the GT was capable of 0-60 mph in just over 3.3 seconds and could top 200 mph.
This particular car’s provenance adds significantly to its appeal. It was retained by Ford Motor Co. for internal use, serving in promotional appearances and media testing. As a result, it is unusually well-documented, showing just 8,435 miles and including its original Build Book and Certificate of Authenticity. The car does have a few stories to tell—records note a rear-end impact during Ford’s use in 2005 and a minor off-track excursion in 2006—but those events are described as light and repaired to factory standards.
Barrett-Jackson Chairman and CEO Craig Jackson said the sale will be one of the highlights of the upcoming auction. “This Ford GT represents the perfect blend of modern engineering and historic racing heritage,” he said. “Its early production number and factory provenance make it one of the most significant Heritage Editions we’ve ever offered.”
The 2006 Heritage Edition series has long been among the most sought-after modern Fords. Only 343 were built, and well-kept examples have been commanding between $640,000 and $1 million in recent years. Given this car’s unique background, collectors expect bidding could exceed that range.
Barrett-Jackson will offer the GT with no reserve, ensuring it sells to the highest bidder. It joins a strong docket of Ford and Shelby vehicles that includes several rare Mustangs, Cobras, and GT350s, continuing the auction house’s long relationship with America’s Blue Oval performance legacy.
“This GT is more than just a collectible supercar,” Jackson added. “It’s a tangible connection to Ford’s proud racing history and the company’s modern engineering excellence.”
The Heritage Edition’s appearance at auction continues the remarkable story of the reborn Ford GT itself. When the GT launched in 2005, it was built to celebrate Ford’s centennial and pay homage to its Le Mans triumphs, but it quickly became a legend in its own right. Demand far exceeded supply, and the car’s combination of power, balance, and retro-modern styling has helped it appreciate steadily over the past two decades.
For bidders at Barrett-Jackson, the opportunity to own the first publicly released Heritage Edition—complete with factory documentation and Ford ownership history—represents a rare chance to add a modern icon to their garage.
The auction will be held at Barrett-Jackson’s Scottsdale event, where the GT will be one of the centerpiece lots. As Jackson put it, “This is Le Mans legacy in motion, and it’s going to make history once again when the hammer falls.”
The 2006 Ford GT Heritage Edition No. 3 is slated to cross the block at the 2025 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Fall Auction on Saturday October 18, 2025, at WestWorld of Scottsdale in Scottsdale, Arizona. You can follow every bid live via the Barrett-Jackson Livestream on its website (and app). On television, the auction will be broadcast on FYI and The HISTORY Channel.
Photo: Ford.