Written by independent automotive journalist David C. Neyens

Considering the greatest performance cars ever conceived, built and raced on either side of the Atlantic, a multitude of worthy candidates immediately springs to mind. However, the “Ford GT” nameplate is one of precious few with a heritage that includes not just one, but four overall victories scored at the 24 Hours of Le Mans from 1966 through 1969 by the original Ford GT40.

Representing the ultimate expression of Ford Motor Company’s legendary “Total Performance” factory racing program of the 1960s, the GT40 remains most famous as the car that unseated Ferrari’s long dominance of international racing. Intensive development performed by Shelby American at the behest of none other than Henry Ford II, led by Ken Miles and Phil Remington, turned the unreliable early Ford GT40 into a dead-reliable, long-distance juggernaut. Equally important, the GT40 and its uncanny reliability after intense development solidified the brilliant driving careers of some of the era’s greatest drivers and rising stars. Production was low and, while a Mk III street variant was indeed offered, few buyers could reconcile the car’s performance and image with cramped passenger accommodations and limited cargo capacity, not to mention the six-figure purchase price.

Fast-forward some 30 years after FIA rule changes forced the retirement of the original GT40s after the 1969 racing season. While those venerable warriors had been consigned to museums, Ford Motor Company’s 2003 centennial festivities provided an ideal opportunity for the GT40 concept to return as a modern, reimagined homage to Ford’s glorious international racing dominance of the 1960s.

Development of the new Ford GT was rooted in its legendary progenitor and several high-tech Ford concept cars of the latter 1990s; however, the all-new GT debuted in 2002 and produced for 2005-06 was far more than a design throwback. In fact, it stands as a true modern supercar, based on cutting-edge technologies and capable of electrifying performance in every discipline, including a 205-mph top speed. Powering the Ford GT was a mid-mounted, 32-valve 5.4-liter V-8 engine delivering 550 rated horsepower with a twin-screw Lysholm supercharger, mated to a Ricardo 6-speed gearbox/rear transaxle. Fully independent underpinnings and huge Brembo ventilated disc brakes rounded out the competition-worthy, yet dedicated street car. Fittingly, one modern GT was quietly purchased and evaluated by Ferrari, predictably helping the legendary Italian marque to up its road-car game. And of course there is  much more to the 2005-06 Ford GT story, including its crucial performance development processes and the expertise of living legend Carroll Shelby.

While the Ford GT was highly anticipated and eagerly bought up by collectors and enthusiasts ‒ with 4,033 produced, including 2,022 and 2,011 built for 2005 and 2006, respectively ‒ the 2010s spurred development of an all-new GT, aimed at returning Ford to Le Mans victory 50 years after that electrifying 1-2-3 win scored in 1966. Developed in concert with Multimatic in Markham, Ontario, and bristling with the latest racing technologies, the electrifying new Ford GT features the potent 3.5-liter Ecoboost twin-turbo powerplant, factory-rated at 660 horsepower. It was campaigned by Ford/Chip Ganassi Racing and achieved its lofty objective, taking overall victory at Le Mans in 2016, before any road models were offered starting in 2017. Limited production continued though model year 2022, with huge collectibility and demand from hopeful buyers that is certain to remain unmet for many years to come.

Exemplifying the glorious Ford GT legacy, this pair of modern “bookend” examples from the renowned Steve Todhunter Collection – one from 2005 and the other a 2020 model ‒ are among the featured early consignments selling with No Reserve at Barrett-Jackson’s upcoming Palm Beach Auction, slated for April 13-15 at the South Florida Fairgrounds.

One of 765 examples appropriately finished in Mark IV Red with white Le Mans stripes, the 2005 edition of the Ford GT on offer sports the mandatory Code LB Ebony Black leather interior. Great-looking optional BBS lightweight forged wheels minimize the GT’s unsprung weight and maximize handling response. Despite the GT’s awesome driving experience, careful single ownership from new and limited use have resulted in just 538 CARFAX-documented miles at the time of writing, making this exceptionally fine and little-used example particularly desirable and collector-worthy.

Stunningly finished in Triple Yellow Tri-Coat paint, accented by Shadow Black overtop stripes reminiscent of a 1967 GT40 racing livery, the 2020 Ford GT in the collection is a two-owner example, special-ordered and sold new in Oregon. Todhunter acquired the GT in mid-2022 and, as offered, it has undergone just 1,285 CARFAX-documented miles at the time of writing. Sporting the Dark Energy upgrade interior costing $30,000 alone, this stunning modern supercar features over $74,000 in factory options via the factory’s Equipment Group 100A, including the unavoidable gas-guzzler tax. Among those upgrades, the GT features 6-point harness anchors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, red-finish brake calipers and ultralight 20-inch carbon-fiber exposed wheels priced at $20,000.

Representing the last word in race-derived engineering and construction technologies in effect during their respective eras, these two modern Ford GTs celebrate Ford Motor Company’s incomparable racing heritage. While neither vehicle was produced in large numbers or over a lengthy timeframe, each provides irrefutable proof that once Ford sets its sights on Total Performance, the predictable and inevitable result is outright victory at the pinnacle of motorsports. Experience these unqualified No Reserve Ford superstars yourself at the upcoming 2023 Palm Beach Auction from April 13-15 at the South Florida Fairgrounds, and register to bid today for a chance to make one – or both – part of your collection.

Barrett-Jackson News

#TOTAL #PERFORMANCE #INEVITABLE #VICTORY #OneTwo #Punch #Fords #Modern #Supercar #Generations