FROM CONCEPT TO CLASSIC: The Legacy of Ford’s 2005-06 GT
December 20, 2024
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
LOT #1375 – 2005 FORD GT – NO RESERVE
When Ford and its Chief Designer Camilo Pardo set out to bring the 2002 Ford GT40 concept car to life, the goal was to honor Ford’s centennial in style. After being received so well, Ford knew it had struck gold and proudly announced it would put the concept into production. Today, that first-generation Ford GT is regarded as a modern American supercar, capturing the spirit of its 1960s predecessors with a modern twist.
During the 2000s, automakers flooded the market with a wave of retro-inspired designs, but few have aged as well and as gracefully as the Ford GT. The original GT40 provided Pardo and the design team with a strong foundation, but they didn’t simply replicate the past; Pardo crafted a tribute that feels timeless. Though larger than the GT40 in nearly every aspect – 4 inches taller, 18 inches longer and about 6 inches wider – the GT’s proportions are spot on and it maintains a seamless connection to its legendary predecessor, capturing the spirit of the original while remaining thoroughly modern for its time.
The GT’s power came from a 5.4-liter supercharged V8, a member of Ford’s Modular engine family. While it shared core architecture and some components with other Ford V8s of its era, it was anything but ordinary. With an aluminum block, forged internals, unique camshafts and a suite of GT-specific enhancements, this engine was built for serious performance. The result was a potent 550 horsepower channeled through a 6-speed manual transmission, coupled with a balanced and composed chassis. With no electronic aids, the GT delivered a raw, analog driving experience that was blisteringly fast both in a straight line and on the track.
What made the first-generation Ford GT even more appealing was that the GT’s cabin was designed with comfort in mind, making it surprisingly livable. Equipped with modern conveniences like air conditioning, a stereo and a leather-lined interior, it offered a far more inviting experience than its predecessor.
Part of the allure of the Ford GT is its exclusiveness, too. Only 4,038 GTs were produced across the 2005 and 2006 model years. This limited run only amplified the GT’s appeal, cementing its status as an icon both on the road and in the collector’s world. This captivating blend of American supercar heritage, modern practicality and unfiltered performance has firmly secured the GT’s standing in the world of modern collectible cars.
LOT #1375 – 2005 FORD GT – NO RESERVE
Powered by a supercharged 5.4-liter V8 engine and 6-speed manual gearbox. Four-option car in red with painted white stripes. Features BBS wheels, painted calipers, a black interior and a McIntosh stereo. 449 actual miles.
LOT #1356 – 2006 FORD GT – NO RESERVE
Powered by a supercharged 5.4-liter V8 engine and 6-speed manual transmission. Finished in the original Speed Yellow color with four options, including full black stripes, forged wheels, McIntosh stereo and red-painted calipers.