Ford GT

Ford GT

The Ford GT, revealed as a concept at the 2002 Detroit Auto Show and entering production for the 2005-2006 model years (based on a design initiated in 2003), was Ford's centenary celebration of its most glorious racing heritage. This modern supercar took the visual language of the 1960s GT40 and reinterpreted it with contemporary technology, creating a machine that was both a worthy tribute and a world-class performance car in its own right.

The heart of the Ford GT was a hand-built 5.4-liter supercharged V8 producing 550 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque. The engine used a cast-aluminum block with four-bolt main bearings, forged steel connecting rods, and a Lysholm twin-screw supercharger producing 12 psi of boost. Unlike the centrifugal superchargers common on other performance cars, the Lysholm unit delivered strong boost from low rpm, giving the GT immediate throttle response.

The transmission was a Ricardo six-speed manual with a helical limited-slip rear differential. Ford deliberately chose a manual gearbox to maintain the visceral driving experience, and the Ricardo unit's shift quality was precise and mechanical. The mid-engine layout placed the powertrain behind the cockpit, contributing to the GT's excellent weight distribution.

The chassis was a aluminum spaceframe structure, lighter and stiffer than a conventional steel monocoque. The body panels were a combination of aluminum and composite materials, keeping weight to approximately 3,300 pounds -- impressive for a car of the GT's dimensions. The aluminum construction also provided excellent corrosion resistance.

Suspension was fully independent at all four corners, using unequal-length double wishbones with coil springs and Bilstein adjustable shock absorbers. The system was designed to provide both comfortable road manners and serious track capability. The braking system used Brembo four-piston calipers with 14-inch cross-drilled and ventilated discs at all four corners.

The GT's styling was its most immediately striking characteristic. Designer Camilo Pardo and his team translated the GT40's essential proportions and design cues into a modern shape that was both unmistakably a Ford GT and thoroughly contemporary. The low roofline, prominent air intakes, flying buttresses, and round taillights all referenced the original while incorporating modern aerodynamic refinement.

The interior was purposeful and driver-focused, with leather sport seats, aluminum trim, and a simple instrument panel that avoided unnecessary complexity. The seating position was low, and the forward visibility over the long hood evoked the GT40 experience while remaining comfortable for extended driving.

Ford produced approximately 4,038 Ford GTs over two model years, far fewer than planned due to the complexity of manufacturing. Each engine was hand-assembled, and the aluminum body required specialized assembly techniques. This limited production has contributed to the car's strong collectibility.

Performance was exceptional -- the GT could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 205 mph. These figures placed it firmly among the world's elite supercars, competing with the Ferrari 360, Porsche Carrera GT, and Lamborghini Murcielago.

The Ford GT has proven to be an outstanding investment as well as a thrilling driver's car, with values appreciating significantly since new.