The Ford GT, launched in 2005, was the company’s modern reinterpretation of its legendary GT40. It bore many supercar hallmarks, including advanced construction techniques and materials, high-end braking and suspension components and a mid-mounted supercharged 5.4-litre V8.
Much to the delight of enthusiasts, all of the engine’s 550bhp and 500lb ft was sent to a limited-slip differential at the rear via a six-speed manual gearbox. The 1520kg GT was devastatingly rapid as a result, with an electronically limited top speed of 205mph and a 0-60mph time of just 3.5sec.
“People just love to see them,” says David Jones, owner and director of Ford GT specialist GT101 Limited (gt101.co.uk, 01206 562800). “Every journey is an event. I remember pulling up in a service station and this bloke was just stood there. He wouldn’t leave until I left; he just wanted to hear it run.”
All-new Ford GT revealed in Detroit
With only 28 cars officially imported, and a total of some 120 thought to be in the UK now, buying a GT grants you access to an exclusive — albeit expensive — club. You’ll pay around £180,000 for a low-mileage GT in excellent condition, or around £225,000 if it’s a Heritage Edition car in Gulf colours.
“The cars are robust,” says Jones. “The engine is over-engineered. It will run up to 800bhp on standard internals and uses a timing chain, so there are no dilemmas with belts.”
There are, however, a few key things to look for. “The half-shaft bolts are probably the most well known issue,” says Jones. “They fail, the coupling out of the gearbox detaches from the half-shaft and you can’t pull away — usually in the middle of a busy high street, with everyone looking at you.” Ford updated the bolts and a specialist can easily identify if they’ve been replaced, but at worst it’ll cost you £1500 to put right.
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