DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 19, 2002

Ford Motor Chairman and CEO Bill Ford delivered the news that car enthusiasts around the world have been waiting for: Ford will build the GT40 to help celebrate the automaker's 100th anniversary in 2003. Ford made the announcement to employees at the company's world headquarters today.

GT40, the modern version of the historic, two-seat supercar, will help breathe new excitement into the Ford brand and support Ford Motor Company's promise of 20 new or freshened products each year. "Our revitalization plan is centered on products," said Ford, great-grandson of the automaker's founder.

"The company that builds and delivers the best cars and trucks wins, and we're going to win. I can't think of a better symbol of that winning attitude than GT40." The production announcement comes on the heels of the 2002 North American International Auto Show debut of the GT40 concept car less than 45 days ago. The award-winning concept was inspired by arguably one of the most recognized and loved cars in automotive history.

In the mid-1960s, the low-slung, mid-engine GT40 was introduced to battle the world's best in endurance racing. Just over 100 of these historic cars were built, placing Ford in prestigious winner's circles worldwide, most notably, winning the Le Mans (France) 24-hour race in 1966, 1967, 1968 and 1969. The new GT40, created by Ford's "Living Legends" studio, is more than 18 inches longer and stands nearly four inches taller than the original. Yet, despite being physically larger, it is unmistakably a GT40, an automotive statement of passion, speed and performance.

GT40 joins Thunderbird, Mustang and the Forty-Nine concept as part of Ford's "Living Legends" lineup. Production capacity, vehicle specifications, performance numbers, pricing and the final name of the production vehicle will be revealed at a later date.