Stunning the world upon its unveiling at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show, Ford’s second iteration of the modern GT proved that the company could still produce a world-beating, mid-engined supercar, and Ford intended to prove this to the world in the crucible of motorsports, specifically at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Fitted with a 647 bhp, twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter Ecoboost V-6 engine mated to a seven-speed Getrag dual-clutch transmission, this meant that the GT could race to 60 mph from a standstill in less than three seconds and a top speed of 216 mph.

Prioritizing low weight and aerodynamic efficiency, the car’s bodywork ingeniously channels air to its engine and brakes while maximizing downforce. Anchored by Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes with six-piston calipers and huge 394 mm rotors up front, the GT also employed hydraulic power steering, making for a race car that by every account provides feedback to the driver from the very first push of a pedal. Efficient architecture was so prioritized that the sport seats were fixed rather than adjustable, and the pedal box and steering wheel were designed to adjust around the driver rather than vice versa.

Race-ready GTs took to the track in partnership with Chip Ganassi Racing for the 2016 season in both the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and the FIA World Endurance Championship. Debuting at the 24 House of Daytona, there the GTs finished 7th and 9th in class. Ford returned to Le Mans in 2016, fifty years after its iconic 1-2-3 finish with the GT40 and the number 68 GT of Ford Chip Ganassi Racing took 1st in class in the LMGTE Pro class, with Joey Hand, Dirk Müller, and Sébastien Bourdais behind the wheel. Further to this, the GT also secured 1-2 finishes in class at the 2016 6 Hours of Fuji and 6 Hours of Shanghai respectively. Interestingly, these cars were detuned to meet homologation requirements, producing roughly 400 bhp.

Despite its success on the track, Ford’s flagship supercar would not be made available to everyone who wanted to own one, and Ford implemented a rigid application process, handpicking loyal Ford enthusiasts and mandating that they keep their cars for an extended period. Only 1,350 GTs are planned to be produced through the 2022 model year, far fewer than the total 4,038 GTs produced from 2005-2006. For the first year of production, 2017, Ford intended to produce 250 GTs a year at Multimatic’s facilities in Markham, Ontario, Canada, yet only 138 examples were built.

One of those few cars produced for the 2017 model year, this particular Ford GT is offered today from its first and only owner. Selected by Ford to be one of the initial first owners of the GT, this particular GT was ordered and delivered through Lindsay Ford of Lebanon, Missouri. Whilst this is the 97th car built by VIN and serial number, according to the consignor this is the 43rd car that Ford released and delivered to a customer. It boasts Liquid Red Tri-Coat paintwork with Frozen White stripes. Further options include the exterior carbon fiber package in gloss, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and 20” satin silver wheels.

Today, the GT presents in excellent condition throughout, having been driven less than 1,300 miles from new. Importantly, the car is accompanied by numerous documents and items from throughout its ordering and production process, including a photo album of the car’s build process at Multimatic, its original window sticker, Ford GT Order Confirmation form, acceptance letter from Bill Ford, and a carbon-fiber box containing paint samples. Further accompanying items include a set of spare keys, an owner’s edition chronograph book, thumb drive including video of the car being unloaded and delivered, a Ford GT customization visualizer, front license plate brackets, factory wrappings, and serial number plate.

Truly one of the most incredible supercars in production today, and one with a proven record in motorsport, the Ford GT is truly a world-class supercar in every regard. With only 1,350 examples produced, the 138 cars produced for the 2017 model year, representing just over 10% of the production run, will surely be amongst the most sought-after examples. Offered from the collection of its original owner, this stunning example is ready to be used and enjoyed.