Just a concept designed by J Mays when it was shown at the Detroit International Auto Show in January 2002, the GT was nothing more than a dream by Ford designers. Remarkably, the green light was given and a trio of cars was engineered and ready for Ford’s 100th anniversary ceremony in June 2003, just 15 months later. An American icon was reborn. The name was now simply GT; the car was 43 inches high, not 40 (like the original) and a British company owned the rights to the GT40 name.

A total of 4,038 were produced from 2005-2006 at a base price of $139,995.00 though thanks to the laws of supply and demand, most initially sold for considerably more. After all, this was a bargain Ferrari made in the good ole’ USA! Power came courtesy of a modified 5.4-litre supercharged DOHC V-8 Mustang Cobra engine producing 550-hp. Performance: 0-60mph in 3.3 seconds, ¼-mile in 12.2 seconds at 121.6mph and a top speed of 205mph according to Car & Driver. The first car delivered was to Microsoft Executive John Shirley. And of course, Jay Leno owns one, too.

Unlike the original GT40, the GT offers greater interior room and creature comforts along with conveniences expected by modern drivers including power steering, power brakes and power windows, air conditioning, and an optional McIntosh 260-watt stereo system. Simple but complete instrumentation echoes the functional theme of the original LeMans-winning race car.

In addition to the taller body, the wheelbase is extended nearly 12 inches longer than the original. The all-aluminum space frame chassis was designed for lightweight, but also to meet today’s safety standards. The GT40’s trademark cut-into-the-roof doors are included and in order to preserve the silhouette of the original car, Ford engineers put special emphasis and effort into the GT’s underside aerodynamics. Perhaps, most desirable, all this performance is easy to service at your friendly, local Ford dealer . . . at a reasonable price.

Finished in classic Wimbledon White with optional blue racing stripes, this Ford GT has covered under 1,500 miles from new. In immaculate condition, it has been fitted with a Stillen ceramic X-pipe exhaust as well as H.R.E. custom-forged alloy wheels fitted with Pirelli P-Zero billboard tires for higher performance and an even more aggressive stance. For the purist, the original exhaust and factory tires and rims are included in the sale.

With its limited production, the Ford GT has become the ultimate modern supercar collectible. With the sell-out of the new 2017 version, it will no doubt continue on that short and exclusive list.