Ford GT

Ford GT

The Ford GT was born from a failed corporate takeover. When Ford's attempt to acquire Ferrari fell apart in 2000, the company decided instead to build its own supercar — a modern interpretation of the GT40 that had humiliated Ferrari at Le Mans four consecutive years from 1966 to 1969. The result exceeded all expectations.

Unveiled as a concept at the 2002 Detroit Auto Show (Ford's centennial year), the GT was so well received that Ford fast-tracked it to production in just two years. The production car, developed by a small team led by Camilo Pardo with engineering by SVT, remained remarkably faithful to the show car.

At the heart of the GT was a supercharged 5.4-liter V8, a heavily modified version of the engine from the Ford Mustang Cobra. Fitted with a Lysholm-type twin-screw supercharger, forged internals, and extensive head work, the engine produced 550 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque — numbers that put it squarely in the league of the Ferrari 360 Modena and Porsche Carrera GT.

The mid-engine layout, with the V8 mounted behind the cockpit, gave the GT ideal weight distribution and a low center of gravity (just 43 inches tall). The aluminum space frame was both light and incredibly rigid, and the fully independent suspension with unequal-length control arms at all four corners provided handling that was precise and predictable at the limit.

Inside, the GT was spartan by supercar standards — this was a driver's car, not a technology showcase. The gauges were clear and purposeful, the seating position was low, and the view over the clamshell front bodywork evoked the GT40 experience beautifully. The only transmission was a six-speed manual — there was no automatic option.

Ford produced just 4,038 GTs over three model years, and the car has appreciated dramatically since production ended. Original owners who paid $139,995 MSRP have seen their cars double, triple, or quadruple in value. The Ford GT proved that American engineering could compete with — and beat — the world's best.