For Sale: 2005 Ford GT in Charlotte, North Carolina

It's easy to look at a car like the Ford GT and consider it a solid investment. Taken at face value, GTs, currently selling for over twice their original retail price, are an easy way to bank a hard asset. But focusing on simple financials doesn't really do these classics justice. See, the collector car market is built around passion and the feelings certain cars inspire. And often the most visceral and exclusive machines bring the biggest money. The Ford GT is certainly a visceral experience, but this incredible GTX1 takes things to a whole new level! Not only is the car an ultra-exclusive variant of a highly exclusive halo marque, it also uses choice modifications to enhance an already thrilling driving experience. Want an investment that performs in more ways than one? We recommend this formidable Ford!

PUTTING THE GTX1 IN THE GT

You might be asking yourself "What exactly is a Ford GTX1?" Well, simply put, it's a more intense Ford GT that's been custom-tailored with an array of world class upgrades. The car was actually designed by Ford's own Kip Ewing, one of the primary engineers behind the original Ford GT, the Shelby GT500 and the second-generation Ford GT. After debuting a concept at the 2005 SEMA Show, Ford's Special Vehicle Team, now known as Ford Performance, saw fit to put the design in to limited production. So, the team promptly commissioned 500 cars through pro coachbuilders Genaddi Design Group. However, as often happens with highly specialized cars, production was cut short. And after building less than 100 GTX1s, with each upfit costing roughly $200K, the program was unceremoniously discontinued.

Simple supply and demand dictates that abbreviated production is always a boon for collectors, and GTX1s were guaranteed collectibles from the word "go". That said, the goal of the program was to provide owners with a car that truly enhanced an already amazing driving experience. So, in addition to being included in the NADA Guide, and listed with the Shelby American Automobile Club, GTX1s feature unique aesthetics that aid performance. Recently serviced by The GT Garage, GTX1 number 13 is led by HID headlights, a factory splitter and standard halogen fog lamps. That "Ford" branded nose points a lightweight, all-aluminum body, which hangs painted Midnight Blue stripes at the sides of roll-bonded floors. Between those stripes, body-matched mirrors reflect sequential Genaddi badging and a 3-piece, removable top that caps a removable rear window. Behind that targa, a lightweight clamshell hood provides convenient access to the car's reinforced engine bay. And that LED-tinged bonnet shades prominent splitters that, in the absence of a factory rear bumper, contrast well to the car's clean Centennial White 2-stage.

FEEL THE POWER

At the beginning of this piece we talked about the passion certain classics inspire, and how every great collector car is rooted in those feelings. Not only was the GTX1 born from that mindset, it defines the sentiment. Even compared to the other GTs we've featured in our inventory, this spyder is incredibly carnal. For sure, the car's 550 horsepower certainly provides big personality, but the carefully accentuated sound and pull of its 5.4 liter mod motor is really something special. Specifically created for the GT program, that burly V8 is founded on a unique aluminum block that's been optimized with a careful computer tune, dry-sump lubrication and a trick Accufab dual-blade throttle body. A forged rotating assembly plays well with four GT-specific cams and reengineered heads that were borrowed from SVT's awesome Mustang Cobra R. And all that proven hardware spins under a Lysholm twin-screw supercharger that's paired with a reduced-diameter pulley. 500 lb./ft. of torque flows through a Ricardo 6-speed transaxle, which powers a helical limited-slip differential. That drivetrain rides a fully independent suspension, which, complete with early-build billet control arms, is married to a sturdy, superplastic-formed frame. Turns come courtesy of power rack-and-pinion steering. Stops come courtesy of cross-drilled discs and power-assisted calipers, which make excellent use of electronic brake distribution and standard anti-lock technology. The raucous engine roars through Accufab's performance X-pipe exhaust. And all that track-ready prowess grips through handsome 5-spoke alloys, which twist 235/45ZR18 Goodyear Eagle F1s in front of 315/40ZR19 Goodyear Eagle F1s.

OPEN-AIR COMFORT

Part of the appeal of modern supercars is, unlike their charmingly raw predecessors, they're engineered as the total package. As cars like the storied GT40 have been distilled from purpose-built track champions into white-collar status symbols, luxury has become a crucial part of the equation. Step over this Ford's custom sill plates and you'll find fitted buckets that stretch tight leather around bright silver grommets. In front of those seats, an Azdel Superlite Composite dash seats precise telemetry above optional McIntosh audio. At the bottom of that dash, a magnesium console plants a short shifter in front of a custom subwoofer enclosure. Beneath that console, clean floors float GTX1-themed mats beneath metal foot pedals. Fade-free door panels found keyless power door locks beneath factory power windows and requisite power mirrors. And the driver spins a leather-wrapped, "FORD GT" branded steering wheel around a tilting and telescoping column.

Highly desirable and extremely potent, this unique Ford is a no-compromises exercise in world-class driving. Luxurious where it matters, with serious performance underneath, it's the perfect way to have virtually limitless fun in one of the market's hottest collectibles. If you're looking for an excellent combination of speed, equity and exclusivity, you're looking at your next classic!

HIGHLIGHTS

Genaddi GTX1 number 13

Listed with the Shelby American Automobile Club Registry

5.4 liter supercharged V8 / 550 horsepower

Ricardo 6-speed manual transaxle / Helical limited-slip differential

Factory air conditioning

Power rack-and-pinion steering

4-wheel power disc brakes

Removable 3-piece top / Removable rear window

Black leather interior / Optional McIntosh audio

Accufab performance X-pipe exhaust

Centennial White paint / Painted Midnight Blue stripes

The GT Garage upgrade and service record

All RK Motors vehicles receive a comprehensive, multi-point inspection

We can ship your new classic anywhere in the world