Ford Racing unveils Mustang GT3 livery honoring Henry Ford's 1901 Sweepstakes

Ford Racing has unveiled a special tribute livery for its Mustang GT3 cars to celebrate 125 years of the brand's racing history. The vehicles will compete in the IMSA Petite Le Mans at Road Atlanta in a design inspired by Henry Ford’s 1901 “Sweepstakes” racer.

The livery features a color-matched palette of black, red, and gold to replicate the original 1901 machine. The modern Mustang GT3 includes historical details such as the original Ford Motor Company logo on the hood and a “Glow Pony” decal on the rear fender containing a black-and-gold American flag. Even the drivers’ firesuits have been designed to mimic the three-piece suits worn during the turn of the 20th century.

The “Sweepstakes” was a pivotal vehicle for Henry Ford; its victory in a race in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, helped secure the investor interest necessary to found the Ford Motor Company. While the original car produced only 26 horsepower and reached speeds of approximately 60 to 72 mph, it remains a foundational symbol of the company’s motorsport legacy.