Page 60 - Experience Magazine Winter 2023

Built using space-age materials and construction techniques,
each GT featured a strong yet lightweight aluminum
spaceframe chassis mounting super-plastic-formed aluminum
body panels and an aluminum-over-carbon engine cover.
Production was completed along five distinct stages, with
initial assembly by Norwalk, Ohio's Mayflower Vehicle
Systems; paint applied by Saleen Special Vehicles in Troy,
Michigan; engine assembly at Ford's Romeo, Michigan, engine
plant; and, finally, engine and transmission installation and
interior finishing at Ford's Wixom, Michigan, plant. Notably,
the Ford GT was the last vehicle project completed at Wixom.

While capable of truly blistering performance, including a
209.1-mph blast with one of the test cars at Italy’s Nardò
circuit, the Ford GT is also renowned for its ease of operation,
including a disarmingly light clutch feel. The interior pays
homage to the original GT40, yet is far more comfortable, with
leather-trimmed carbon-fiber seats, electric power windows
and air conditioning. All these attributes came about from
the now-legendary development and testing program applied
to the GT by Ford's SVT before it was deemed ready for series
production and sale to the public. Of course, the GT’s raison
d’être was extreme performance, with the car’s capabilities
honed to perfection under the watchful eye of none other than
Carroll Shelby, who, in conjunction with Ken Miles, whipped
the original 1960s GT40 into a Ferrari-beater. Given the
intense 1960s “Ford vs Ferrari” rivalry, it comes as no surprise
that the engineers at Maranello closely eyed the Ford GT with
great interest. In fact, one example was purchased new by

60 BARRETT-JACKSON EXPERIENCE WINTER 2023