Page 39 - Experience Magazine Fall 2022

LASTING While the new GT was strictly a road car without racing

pretensions, its construction and bodywork were worthy
LEGACY of the latest endurance racers, including an extruded
aluminum spaceframe at its core. Powering the new
GT was a mid-mounted supercharged, fuel-injected
32-valve 5.4-liter V8 engine assembled at Ford's Romeo,
LOT #766 - 2006 FORD GT OFFERED Michigan, facilities. The engine features a lightweight
WITH NO RESERVE IN HOUSTON alloy block-and-head architecture and competition-type
dry sump lubrication. All in all, this potent mill was
factory-rated at 550 horsepower. A 6-speed gearbox/rear
transaxle delivered power from Ricardo, a supplier of
transmissions for international racing. All-independent
To any automotive enthusiast, the 2006 Ford GT suspension and massive vented Brembo 4-wheel disc
continues to stand as a more than worthy successor to brakes rounded out the mechanical package.
its legendary forebear, the GT40. While paying homage
to the all-conquering race car that conclusively beat Production commenced in June 2004, and Ford
Ferrari at Le Mans in 1966, the Ford GT of 2005- completed the last GT in September 2006. According to
06 was a new design with advanced engineering, published sources, only 4,033 examples were produced,
construction and materials. Rooted in early design including 2,027 and 2,011 built during 2005 and 2006,
sketches the “New Edge” theme penned by Camilo respectively. Demand far outstripped supply, with early
Pardo resulted in the GT90 concept of 1995. The new cars selling for substantial premiums over the primary
GT soon progressed through the GT40 concept car, manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) and
unveiled to acclaim in Detroit in January 2002. The prospective buyers vying for vehicle-production slots. As
project served as a rolling showcase of Ford Motor always, there is far more to the story, including a 211.89-
Company's design and engineering prowess, and mph test run conducted in March 2004 at the Nardo
in 2002 the GT40 was greenlit for development to circuit in Italy, making the Ford GT the fastest vehicle in
production-ready status. Legalities soon forced a name Ford history to that point. In addition to its performance
change to ”Ford GT,” but the point was clear – the new credentials, the 2005-06 Ford GT caused Ferrari to take
GT would electrify Ford enthusiasts and put Ford's old close notice. One GT was purchased new by Ferrari
archrival Ferrari on the defensive once again. North America and shipped to Italy in 2007, reputedly
for evaluation – the sincerest form of flattery among
Specialty performance car manufacturer Steve Saleen automotive competitors.
was a significant player in the Ford GT project. Saleen
hosted Ford engineering, marketing and design teams The 2006 Ford GT offered with No Reserve at the 2022
at his southern California facility to discuss bringing Houston Auction, October 20-22 at NRG Center, is
the car to production for a month-long session under finished in Centennial White with Blue Le Mans stripes.
the strictest secrecy. All significant cloak-and-dagger It is riding on BBS Lightweight wheels over black calipers
operations have interesting codenames, and the and comes with a car cover and bag, two keys with
new Ford supercar was certainly no exception, with remotes and all owner's manuals.
the Ford GT project codenamed “Petunia.” In the – David C. Neyens and Nicole Ellan James
autumn of 2002, just 100 days after the program was For up-to-date information on this vehicle, visit Barrett-Jackson.com
initiated, the first “workhorse” Ford GT prototype was
completed and operational. In May of 2003, the first
three cars had been completed in time for the Ford
Motor Company 100th anniversary festivities.

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