Fifty years after Ford won the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans with the GT40, they unveiled their new GT at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit with the intention of claiming a class victory at the Circuit de la Sarthe in 2016, to great fanfare within the automotive community. While the 2005 Ford GT was a retro-inspired homage to the original GT40, the new GT was a futuristic interpretation using cutting-edge design elements throughout its construction.

The new GT engine is based on the 3.5-liter V-6 engine from Ford’s best-selling F-150 but with upgraded turbos, an aluminum intake manifold, unique camshafts, and a custom dry-sump lubrication system. Despite being a relatively small V-6, power output came out to an impressive 647 horsepower. The driver and passenger sit in a radically designed carbon-fiber monocoque chassis with lightweight aluminum front and rear subframes. Every exterior body panel is made of carbon fiber with a distinctive aerodynamic channel running from the rear of the doors to the rear of the car. Being race-bred, the car sits on a pushrod suspension system using active aerodynamics with a hydraulically adjustable rear wing. Depending on the driving mode, ride height and downforce can be adjusted for optimal performance. Curb weight of the GT is only 3,354 pounds, and power is put to the road through a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. High-tech features included a phone app that allows you to lock, unlock, start, and stop the engine as well as report on current mileage and any service or recalls through a GPS tracking system.

Ford has planned for only a single-car-per-day production assembly to ensure each GT is up to their utmost standards. The initial allocation process for the GT was extremely selective, with owners having to apply to Ford, proving their case for why they should be allowed to buy the GT. After an agonizing wait, the owner of this GT was one of the lucky few who were able to buy one of the first examples.

The owner of this Ford GT was given one of the first allocations for the GT with direct delivery on 5 August 2017. Unlike the 2005–2006 GT that offered only four options, a wide range of choices was available for the new GT, including custom paint finishes. This allowed owners to personalize their cars to their exacting specifications. This example is finished with a one-off Beryllium Orange, similar to the shade featured on the Saleen S7. The extended color pallet option was $30,000, so many owners chose to specify their cars within the standard range of colors. Two gloss black stripes run down the length of the car, and each body panel was protected with LLumar paint protection film before it was driven. All exterior carbon fiber, including the optional carbon wheels, were ordered with a gloss finish, and the interior was finished in a two-tone combination of black and white.

Today this Ford GT has less than 400 original miles and is offered in virtually as-new condition and without encumbrance. All factory recalls have been performed, and the transferable Ford warranty is valid until 5 August 2020. Born and bred on the racetrack, the Ford GT is a must-have for any enthusiast of modern supercars or champion of American motorsport.