RE: Ford GT: Spotted
Discussion
I recently sold mine, after 10k miles and 41/2 years of ownership, and I miss it. It is by some margin, the greatest car I have ever owned, or driven for that matter.
The article, mentions Clarkson,,his car suffered from a badly installed aftermarket immobiliser, and he used that as fodder for his career, and his estimate of 8mpg is rubbish.
I took my GT to Le Mans three times, the third just this July to the Classic, and our group toured the Dordogne for four days before the race weekend. My average for 1500 miles over the week was just under 15mpg..200 miles to a tank before hitting reserve is normal.
As for value, My car sold for about 20k less than this just months ago, and even in the midst of the recession, GT's never traded less than 80% of their new cost.
Performance, it is up there with the best, at the same level as V12 supercars, faster than my LP640 for example. I had my car mildly tuned, with Ford racing approved upgrades, and it really wakes up the car. A bit of care is needed because of the always massive torque, but the performance is immense, and the midrange shove and overtaking ability is staggering.
Problems in four years were confined to a weeping front shock, and a failed indicator bulb.
Anyone who compares the GT to a Corvette, or Mustang, is missing the point, or has never experienced this car.
The article, mentions Clarkson,,his car suffered from a badly installed aftermarket immobiliser, and he used that as fodder for his career, and his estimate of 8mpg is rubbish.
I took my GT to Le Mans three times, the third just this July to the Classic, and our group toured the Dordogne for four days before the race weekend. My average for 1500 miles over the week was just under 15mpg..200 miles to a tank before hitting reserve is normal.
As for value, My car sold for about 20k less than this just months ago, and even in the midst of the recession, GT's never traded less than 80% of their new cost.
Performance, it is up there with the best, at the same level as V12 supercars, faster than my LP640 for example. I had my car mildly tuned, with Ford racing approved upgrades, and it really wakes up the car. A bit of care is needed because of the always massive torque, but the performance is immense, and the midrange shove and overtaking ability is staggering.
Problems in four years were confined to a weeping front shock, and a failed indicator bulb.
Anyone who compares the GT to a Corvette, or Mustang, is missing the point, or has never experienced this car.
"Yet when was the last time anyone considered a GT as a lottery win car?"
Always wanted one, and has always been first on the list. Ferrari? Lamborghini? Pah!
"The engine that's similar to one used in a pick-up for a start."
Related, maybe, if I recall correctly. And anyway, isn't that the point? It's a blue-collar supercar to take on latter day 360's and Gallardo's... with a truck-based engine. It mirrors the story of Ford's battle with Ferrari in the 60's at Le Mans, where they took on the racing aristocracy.
"And that badge, of course."
OK, so I like Ford - BUT I grew up with watching Escorts (MkI&II) slay everything on the World Rally stages (ah, the glory days of proper sport on TV with Grandstand and ITV Sport), the Capri's in Touring Cars, the RS200s. The Ford racing heritage is fantastic (where did it go???).
Regarding Clarkson's car, I'm sure a P/H took over ownership of it - and had no problems with it, as he looked after it as Ford advised. There's a thread somewhere about it.
Always wanted one, and has always been first on the list. Ferrari? Lamborghini? Pah!
"The engine that's similar to one used in a pick-up for a start."
Related, maybe, if I recall correctly. And anyway, isn't that the point? It's a blue-collar supercar to take on latter day 360's and Gallardo's... with a truck-based engine. It mirrors the story of Ford's battle with Ferrari in the 60's at Le Mans, where they took on the racing aristocracy.
"And that badge, of course."
OK, so I like Ford - BUT I grew up with watching Escorts (MkI&II) slay everything on the World Rally stages (ah, the glory days of proper sport on TV with Grandstand and ITV Sport), the Capri's in Touring Cars, the RS200s. The Ford racing heritage is fantastic (where did it go???).
theJT said:
I think the thing that would stop me - if I had that sort of money - would be the existence of the many really very good replica '60s era GT40's that I could have in right hand drive.
Agree with this - would love a GT in right-hand drive, but it's only the replicas (very good, I understand, especially from CAV) that would offer it.Regarding Clarkson's car, I'm sure a P/H took over ownership of it - and had no problems with it, as he looked after it as Ford advised. There's a thread somewhere about it.
Have owned it for 5ys now... bulletproof and a joy to drive, even when compared to a 355 (great drivers car) it is in a league of its own, as tactile as a caterham but with monstrous power. It requires respect due to torquey engine and power breaking on lift off tho.
mpg / range / immobilizer points are way off
Comparison with replicas and/or other american muscle cars totally missing the point or not based on experience. Only thing they share are the stripes, transmission, chassis rigidity and balance, suspension and the whole package are something else
mpg / range / immobilizer points are way off
Comparison with replicas and/or other american muscle cars totally missing the point or not based on experience. Only thing they share are the stripes, transmission, chassis rigidity and balance, suspension and the whole package are something else
You can get 300 miles to a tank, the alarms work fine, the handling is brilliant and the power is incredible, the engine is completely different to the V8 in the ford pick up truck, in terms of alloy rather than cast iron, number of valves and all sorts of important factors that make an engine what it is.
Just over 750bhp and 700lbft in my one now, it has been doing track days and many euro trips with its previous owner for many years without any major issues. 55,000 miles done
I Went on a tour of west coast Scotland and Argyll with Clarksons old Blue car, both our cars have only required general servicing for years and I certainly put the GT in the same class as the new Speciale as far as road driving is concerned in the UK. Very capable and useable once you adjust to LHD. (Some small country lanes can be tricky though)
Try one
Edited by Hollowpockets on Tuesday 9th December 15:36
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