Ford stunned the world when it unveiled the second generation of its vaunted GT supercar at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show. A long-awaited follow-up to the previous version, which ceased production in 2006, this all-new model proved that the storied automaker could still produce a world-beating, mid-engine supercar—one that would showcase its impressive capabilities in the crucible of motorsports. Fitted with a 647-horsepower, twin-turbocharged, 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine mated to a seven-speed Getrag dual-clutch transmission, the GT could sprint to 60 mph from a standstill in less than three seconds on its way to a top speed of 216 mph.

It was clear the new GT was altogether different from its predecessor, which had looked like a modern interpretation of Ford’s legendary GT40 of the Sixties. A strong emphasis on low weight and aerodynamic efficiency dictated futuristic bodywork with flying buttresses that ingeniously channeled air to mechanical components while maximizing downforce. An adaptive suspension could lower the ride height by a full two inches, while the self-adjusting rear spoiler raised itself to improve aerodynamics. Anchored by Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes with six-piston calipers and huge 15.5-inch rotors up front, the GT also employed hydraulic power steering, making for a supercar that by every account provided immediate feedback to the driver. 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.

Demand for Ford’s newest supercar was insatiable from the outset. Ford implemented a rigid application process for the privilege of buying one, handpicking loyal Ford enthusiasts and mandating that they keep their cars for an extended period. Applications quickly outnumbered available chassis allotments by nearly tenfold at the model’s official launch. Ford slated only 1,350 GT examples through the 2022 model year, with production handled by Multimatic of Markham, Ontario, Canada. Thus, the current GT is far rarer than the previous, with nearly 2,700 fewer examples scheduled than the 2005–2006 GT model.

THE CARBON SERIES

Announced to the press in October 2018, Ford unveiled the latest version of the iconic GT supercar. This new variant was pitched as the intermediate option between the standard GT and the Competition Series cars. Ford themselves stated: “The Ford GT Carbon Series will be shredding tracks soon, as the lightest of the road-going Ford supercars—and unlike its sibling racer, it will want to be driven home after the time sheets are collected.” As with the standard GT, potential buyers had to apply to Ford to earn the right to purchase one of these rare cars, with the specification of each car subject to the desires of the chosen clients.

The Ford GT’s exterior is a carbon fiber extravaganza, with the body panels, hood, bumpers, doors, front splitter, rear diffuser, shell, underbody shield, and retractable wing all constructed from the space-age material. The Carbon Series package featured the most exposed carbon fiber of any GT model, according to Ford, visible on the A-pillars and in stripes down the center of the vehicle. Perhaps more importantly, the Carbon Series package also added 20-inch carbon-fiber wheels, along with a titanium exhaust system, titanium wheel nuts, and a polycarbonate rear hatch, reducing weight by nearly 40 pounds relative to a standard Ford GT. Customers could choose a variety of exterior colors and were given the option of four accent colors—blue, orange, red or silver—for the calipers, center stripe, and mirror caps. Under the rear hatch is an uprated, mid-mounted 3.5-liter V-6 engine producing 660 horsepower and mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

The results of this impressive powertrain were reported by Car and Driver, recording a 0 to 60 mph time of 3.0 seconds and covering a quarter-mile in a blisteringly fast 10.8 seconds, achieving a speed of 134 mph.

SERIAL NUMBER L186

This 2020 Ford GT was ordered new through Serra Ford of Rochester Hills, Michigan. It is offered as a one-owner example with just 98.2 miles from new at time of cataloguing. Finished in stunning Liquid Grey Tri-Coat, a $5,000 upgrade, this Carbon Series GT left the factory with Equipment Group 600A—which included titanium lug nuts, titanium exhaust, and lightweight Alcantara steering wheel. In addition to the paint, the GT was further optioned with carbon blue graphics package, exterior carbon fiber package (gloss), exposed carbon mirror caps, blue brake calipers, and six-point harness anchors. In total, options amounted to $37,500 on top of the Carbon Series’ elevated base price—leading to a formidable $641,340 MSRP for this chassis.

The Carbon Series theme continues inside, with exposed carbon fiber on the door sills, center console, and air register pods. Other cues unique to the Carbon Series package include contrast stitching on the Alcantara-covered seats and steering wheel and silver-anodized shift paddles.

Accompanying the car is order documentation, sales invoice from Serra Ford, window sticker, photos from the build at Multimatic, owner’s manuals, and Ford GT design spec kit. A short time after taking delivery, the owner sent the GT to Cauley Ferrari in West Bloomfield, Michigan to apply 3M film protection on all painted surfaces and race protection film on lower skirting, after which a 9H Ceramic Coating was applied to the entire car at a cost of over $7,000.

This one-owner, Carbon Series GT offers a rare chance to acquire one of Ford’s most legendary supercars in a unique specification, with fantastic optional extras, finished in a striking color scheme.