To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Open Roads, Fall event, 11
- 20 November 2020.
Estimate:
$500,000 - $600,000
- Production chassis no. 02; the lowest chassis number ever
likely to be available to the public
- Formerly of the Michael Dingman Collection
- Carefully maintained, showing fewer than 250 miles from
new
- 'Four-option' car with full stripes, lightweight BBS aluminum
wheels, painted brake calipers, and McIntosh Audiophile Sound
System
- Mark II Black over a black interior; livery inspired by 1966 24
Hours of Le Mans-winning Ford GT40
At the 2002 introduction of the modern-day GT 40 concept car at the
North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, Ford's
Vice President of Design, J. Mays, declared the GT 40 "the ultimate
living legend." Further, he added, "It's a true supercar with
appeal equal to that of the greatest sports cars in the world, but
with the addition of a heritage no one can match." Such was the
roaring approval from the press and public alike that Ford's CEO,
William Clay Ford Jr., decided to give a limited production version
the green light. The catch, however, was that he wanted the first
production versions to be readied in just 16 months, in time for
the Ford Motor Company centennial celebrations.
In turn, Ford's Director of the Special Vehicles Team, John
Coletti, harnessed the pure essence of the GT 40 concept and made
it street legal. Perhaps the greatest challenge was that the
production version had to live up to the legacy of the original GT
40, which it achieved with the help of the legendary Carroll
Shelby. In just three months' time, with a dream team of designers
and engineers equipped with state-of-the-art CAD technology, the
SVT team met the objectives set by Ford. When completed, the first
three cars were driven onto the Dearborn Centennial stage with
three living legends of the Ford motorsports pantheon: Three-time
Formula 1 World Champion Jackie Stewart drove the first car onto
the stage, with John Coletti as his passenger. They were followed
by 1967 Le Mans 24 Hours co-winner Dan Gurney (with A.J. Foyt), who
was driven on stage by Nick Sheele, Ford's Chief Operating Officer.
Vice-President of Ford's Advance Product Creation, Chris Theodore,
with none other than Carroll Shelby riding shotgun, drove the final
car.
Perhaps as an early sign of the amazing turnaround achieved by the
Ford Motor Company over the next several years, the SVT team
achieved its production goals, with the first examples of the GT
trickling out of the pipeline in 2003. Full production began in the
spring of 2004, with a limit of no more than 4,500 cars set.
Assembly of the GT began at Mayflower Vehicle Systems in Norwalk,
Ohio, and they were transferred to Saleen Automotive, Inc. for
paint application at their facility in Troy, Michigan. The GT
engines were built at Ford's Romeo Engine Plant in Romeo, Michigan,
with final assembly, including installation of the engine,
transmission, and final interior fitments, handled by the SVT team
at Ford's Wixom, Michigan plant.
CHASSIS NUMBER 02
While all of the GTs produced are designated 2005 and 2006 models,
the first examples were delivered to their fortunate new owners in
August 2004. The first Ford GT made available to any member of the
general public was chassis number 10; this example was sold
directly from the Ford Motor Company to its new owner at a charity
auction, which took place in August of 2003, and was delivered the
following year.
Other examples were offered to select clientele; it was considered
such a privilege to be offered one of these early cars that part of
the purchase agreement included a clause that the owner had to hold
the car for at least 24 months, during which Ford had the right of
first refusal to buy the car back. Chassis numbers 01 through 09
were reserved for "internal use" by Ford, following a long
tradition of those first examples being offered mainly to Ford
family members and certain executives.
Mr. Michael Dingman, the GTs original owner, served on the Board of
Directors for the Ford Motor Company for over two decades, helping
navigate the Blue Oval through some of the most difficult periods
in its existence. In appreciation of his service and dedication, he
was offered the opportunity to acquire one of these special reserve
vehicles. On the order form sent to Mr. Dingman on May 18, 2004, a
handwritten notation in the offering letter reads "car #2."
Subsequent paperwork includes the dealer order, dated October 13,
2004, the dealer invoice from Portsmouth Ford, dated October 14,
2004 and the original title, dated December 8, 2004. It is believed
that chassis 01 is retained directly by Ford Motor Company, making
chassis number 02 the lowest numbered example of a Ford GT that
will likely ever be offered to the general public.
To top it off, having only three sympathetic prior owners has
resulted in chassis 02 showing fewer than 250 miles on its
odometer. The car was recently serviced, including an oil change
and coolant and brake fluid flush; an airbag recall was also
completed under the care of the consignor.
Naturally, the finish of the car today is consistent with the
specifications denoted on the order form, which indicates that it
be finished in Mark II Black (which is understood to have not been
available to the public until later in the production cycle). This
special livery draws from Ford's motorsport heritage and pays
tributed to the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans-winning GT40 Mark II
piloted by Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon. A "four-option" car, it is
equipped with full stripes and lightweight BBS aluminum wheels
fitted with Goodyear Eagle F1 tires, painted brake calipers, and a
McIntosh Audiophile Sound System.
A peek in the engine bay reveals lots of aluminum finish, including
the structural bracing, which provides ample indication of the
engine's potency. Being that this is represented by a
midship-mounted dual overhead cam 5.4-liter, 550-hp aluminum V-8
engine with sequential multi-port fuel injection with dual
injectors per cylinder and a Roots-type supercharger - it is easy
to conclude this car is purpose-built for performance. This
renowned powerplant is paired to a six-speed manual gearbox. The
106.7-inch wheelbase platform also has four-wheel independent
suspension with double wishbones and four-wheel ventilated disc
brakes.
Of particular beauty is the interior, which is mostly black, save
for aluminum console, gauge bezels, and other miscellaneous trim,
including the aircraft-style electrical controls. In addition, the
black leather bucket seats have racing-style ventilation holes in
the cushion and seat back. Air conditioning is a standard with this
model and contributes greatly to the comfort level within the
cockpit.
The total production of the Ford GT was cut short of its limit,
with just 4,038 examples produced, ending on September 21, 2006.
With an electronically limited top speed of 205 miles per hour,
supported by cutting-edge technology as well as race-proven
handling and braking, this Ford GT offers championship winning
performance and a legendary pedigree; it continues to reside in the
elite club of modern supercars.
Accompanied by manuals, Marti Report, reproduction window sticker,
an original Ford GT car cover with original Ford GT tote bag, and
air compressor and tow hook, this desirable "four-option" car is
set apart from all others due to its spectacular, low-mileage
condition and its illustrious first owner. Moreover, as chassis
number 02, it is the lowest production-numbered Ford GT ever likely
to be avai...for more information please contact the seller.
