Inspired by the GT40s that beat Ferrari at Le Mans in 1966 and continued to dominate international sports car competition through 1969, the 2004-06 Ford GT was rooted in early sketches penned by Camilo Pardo that resulted in the GT90 concept car of 1995. Development soon progressed through the GT40 concept, unveiled at Detroit in January 2002. Development for production readiness was approved during the Spring of 2002. While strictly a road car without racing pretensions, construction and bodywork of the GT was worthy of the latest endurance racers, including an extruded aluminum spaceframe. Power was delivered by a midmounted, supercharged, fuel-injected, 32-valve 5.4L V-8 engine assembled at Ford’s Romeo, Michigan, facilities. Featuring alloy block-and-head architecture and competition-type dry sump lubrication, this potent mill was factory-rated at 550 HP. Power was delivered by a 6-speed gearbox/rear transaxle from Ricardo, the supplier of racing transmissions for international racing. All-independent suspension and huge, ventilated Brembo 4-wheel disc brakes rounded out the mechanical package. Production commenced in June 2004 and the last GT was completed in September 2006. According to published sources, only 4,033 were produced, including 2,022 and 2,011 built during 2005 and 2006, respectively. As always, there is far more to the story, including a 211.89 MPH test run conducted in March 2004 at Italy’s Nardò test circuit, making the new-generation GT the fastest vehicle in Ford history. Offered with the odometer reading just 1,460 miles, this 2005 Ford GT is equipped with all four factory options, including its bold, red-painted brake calipers, audiophile- quality McIntosh audio system and lightweight BBS forged aluminum wheels. This GT is also one of only 132 produced for 2005 in Mark II Black paint with the full optional “over- the-top” Le Mans stripes. Powered by the potent 5.4L/550 HP supercharged V-8 engine and equipped with the Ricardo 6-speed manual transaxle, this highly equipped GT’s many other highlights include an ebony interior featuring leather-trimmed seats with carbon fiber inner structure, air conditioning, stainless dual exhaust, a tilt and telescopic steering column and a window sticker.
