550 bhp, 5.4-liter 32-valve DOHC V-8 engine, six-speed manual transmission, four-wheel independent suspension, and four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes. Wheelbase: 106.7"

• Highly desirable, low-mileage, early example with all factory-available options

• Stunning performance and handling; iconic GT40-inspired design and layout

• 550 bhp, 5.4-liter supercharged V-8; 0–60 mph in 3.6 seconds; 212-mph top end

Following the GT90 concept of 1995, Ford unveiled the GT in 2002, to celebrate the Blue Oval’s upcoming centennial, and left no doubt as to its brilliant heritage. Inspired by the all-conquering GT40s that beat Ferrari at Le Mans and won the famed 24-hour race four years in a row, the new GT was much more than a mere design throwback. It was a supercar the likes of which Detroit had never before produced, capable of lightning-fast sprints to 60 mph in well under four seconds, yet tremendously competent in every other discipline; cornering and braking included. On top speed alone, it surpassed even the Porsche Carrera GT and Mercedes-McLaren SLR. It was even setting new lap records on the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife, faster even than many of the highly developed cars from Porsche.

Power came from a supercharged 5.4-liter V-8 with a six-speed gearbox, producing 550 brake horsepower and a throaty, muscular exhaust note. Featuring space-age construction technologies, the GT was produced in four distinct stages, with initial assembly at Norwalk, Ohio’s Mayflower Vehicle Systems, paint by Saleen at the Saleen Special Vehicles facility in Troy, Michigan, engine assembly at Ford’s Romeo, Michigan engine plant, followed by engine and transmission installation, plus interior finishing, at Ford’s Wixom, Michigan plant. Interestingly, the Ford GT was the last vehicle project at Wixom.

Only 4,038 examples were produced, with approximately 550, 1,900, and 1,600 built during 2004, 2005, and 2006, respectively. Demand outstripped supply, with early cars selling for substantial premiums over the MSRP. No doubt to the delight of Henry Ford II, Enzo Ferrari’s arch-rival during the 1960s, the Ford GT remains more than capable of blowing the doors off its competition from Maranello.

With just one meticulous owner from new, no accident history, and only an approximate 1,300 miles, this is a striking, very early production Ford GT. Striking in Mark IV Red, it was factory-equipped with all four available options, including the $5,000 white painted stripes, the $4,000 McIntosh CD stereo system, the $3,500 lightweight BBS forged aluminum wheels, and the $750 color-matched Brembo brake calipers.

While capable of blistering performance, these cars were also highly praised for their remarkable practicality in everyday traffic, and this car is no exception; the light clutch makes driving a pleasure, and the leather interior, which pays homage to the original GT40, is complete with electric windows and air conditioning. Unlike its spartan predecessor, the interior has more than enough space to accommodate taller drivers. Virtually flawless and complete with all factory-available options, this desirable, early-production GT remains unquestionably one of the finest in existence.