Did any of you buy your GT for reasons.....
- Thread starter ChipBeck
- Start date
I was given my first matchbox toy in 1967, and it was of a GT 40, which I still own today. Since then I have longed to have a GT 40, and when I found Ford were going to make the Ford GT I tried my hardest to get one of the 101allocated to Europe. I was that confident I was going to get one, I parted with my Ferrari, and Porsche. Unfortunately I was never allocated one of the 101, even though I spent 27 years buying every fast Ford that was produced. In the end, I imported my own Heritage, one from America, and now my two kids, 12 year old boy and 6 year old girl will be using it to go to car shows in the Summer. The problems start now, as the car only has 2 seats and I have 2 kids! PS. the car will never be for sale it will be passed on to my 2 children. I do not write many post on this forum, but I read the website every evening.
SteveA
GT Owner/B.O.D
Chip, even though your son had a terrible loss at age 1 it sounds like he hit the jack pot with a very caring dad! As we all know not all kids find themselves this "lucky". Your a good man.
My Dad and his Partner purchase #p 1060 from Ford through Shelby in 68' when Ford quit racing the GT40. I was getting rides to school in a GT40 while the Gulf program was still winning. Lots and lots of fun stories about that car. Someone posted they saw a GT40 on tour at a So Cal Ford dealer in the mid 60's, if it was Red with white stripes and had #6 on it, that was my Dads. I always wanted one of my own and when Ford said they were going to build it:cheers :banana . Then they were going for 2 1/2 times MSRP:frown :frown . Then the prices became real.:thumbsup :banana
Great thread!
Chip, great thread with some really wonderful stories. From the time I started driving, I lusted for a Cobra, and over the years my mental dream car garage consisted 3 "Shelby" cars: a 427 Cobra, Daytona Coupe and GT40. When the GT was announced, it replaced the GT40 in my mental dream car garage. I had to wait until I retired, but since 2005, I have been blessed to own a couple Cobras and a couple GT's.
I love these stories!
Gentlemen,
This has turned out to be a great thread....that only the GT could generate. This brand new, 40 year old, high tech throwback to a 1960's icon has grabbed the attention of the young, but it's most powerful effect has been on those of us old enough to remember the originals. To us, this car strikes a nerve that unleashes a flood of memories from days long gone. The stories that have been told here (hopefully there will be many more), are not about the GT. They are about people. When the little boy, smile beaming from the window of Waldo's GT, is 60 years old, the GT will stir him even more than it does today. But it won't be the acceleration or handling of the car, it will be the memories of his dad, good friends and good times. Perhaps the GT Forum is so different because the GT and it's 4 decade production gap heritage, are so unique. One of my son's friends told me that the new Lamborghini V-12 has more horsepower than the GT. True enough, but in that measure of performance that stirs the soul, the Ford GT may just be the most powerful car ever built.
Chip
Gentlemen,
This has turned out to be a great thread....that only the GT could generate. This brand new, 40 year old, high tech throwback to a 1960's icon has grabbed the attention of the young, but it's most powerful effect has been on those of us old enough to remember the originals. To us, this car strikes a nerve that unleashes a flood of memories from days long gone. The stories that have been told here (hopefully there will be many more), are not about the GT. They are about people. When the little boy, smile beaming from the window of Waldo's GT, is 60 years old, the GT will stir him even more than it does today. But it won't be the acceleration or handling of the car, it will be the memories of his dad, good friends and good times. Perhaps the GT Forum is so different because the GT and it's 4 decade production gap heritage, are so unique. One of my son's friends told me that the new Lamborghini V-12 has more horsepower than the GT. True enough, but in that measure of performance that stirs the soul, the Ford GT may just be the most powerful car ever built.
Chip
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THamonGT
GT
You could not have said it better Chip. I am so impressed with all the impressions stated on this Forum about our fantastic dream car, the Ford GT. This car means so much to us the owners but just think how much this vehicle must mean to those who cannot own one. This Forum has turned out to be a wonderful place to dream our dreams, fulfill our hopes, to meet great people who care, and to share our lifes to the fullest. Thanks all for your honestsy,sincerety, and experiences in our lives. God bless this Forum and all its participants. Tomy Hamon
Waldo
GT Owner
Chip,
After reading some of the other replies I realized that I may not have fully answered your initial question in my first reply. Like so many other GT owners, there appears to be a family connection with high performance Fords.
I think I spent the majority of my formative automotive years under the tutelage my uncle, working on my first car, a ’66 Mustang. Not only did my uncle instill in me a sense of passion and enthusiasm for cars (mainly Fords and Porsches), but he also taught me how to turn a wrench and get grease under my fingernails. As my car budget increased we would eventually begin to share stories of Mustang Cobras, Porsches, and his supercharged Marauder. His affiliation with Ford started when he was a mechanic, and he‘s been the service manager of a Ford dealership for as long as I can remember. His previous exposure to GT’s has been limited to pulling them off the delivery truck and moving them into the showroom.
I was already overseas when my GT was ready for delivery. I needed somebody to pick it up from Fantasy Junction and was happy that my uncle and my cousin would be the ones to drive her home. I could have arranged to have it shipped to directly to Arizona, but I was just as happy to leave it in my uncle’s garage for a few months. His excited stories of a burn out in front of his neighbor’s house and embarrassing a Turbo Carrera on a “short” trip to the store brought a smile to my face despite being so far from home.
The last time I spoke with him he thanked me for the opportunity to drive and experience a GT. He said it was the most amazing car he’s ever driven. I felt it was the least I could do for the man that taught me enough to truly appreciate a car like the GT.
Best Regards,
Jason
After reading some of the other replies I realized that I may not have fully answered your initial question in my first reply. Like so many other GT owners, there appears to be a family connection with high performance Fords.
I think I spent the majority of my formative automotive years under the tutelage my uncle, working on my first car, a ’66 Mustang. Not only did my uncle instill in me a sense of passion and enthusiasm for cars (mainly Fords and Porsches), but he also taught me how to turn a wrench and get grease under my fingernails. As my car budget increased we would eventually begin to share stories of Mustang Cobras, Porsches, and his supercharged Marauder. His affiliation with Ford started when he was a mechanic, and he‘s been the service manager of a Ford dealership for as long as I can remember. His previous exposure to GT’s has been limited to pulling them off the delivery truck and moving them into the showroom.
I was already overseas when my GT was ready for delivery. I needed somebody to pick it up from Fantasy Junction and was happy that my uncle and my cousin would be the ones to drive her home. I could have arranged to have it shipped to directly to Arizona, but I was just as happy to leave it in my uncle’s garage for a few months. His excited stories of a burn out in front of his neighbor’s house and embarrassing a Turbo Carrera on a “short” trip to the store brought a smile to my face despite being so far from home.
The last time I spoke with him he thanked me for the opportunity to drive and experience a GT. He said it was the most amazing car he’s ever driven. I felt it was the least I could do for the man that taught me enough to truly appreciate a car like the GT.
Best Regards,
Jason
Cobrar
GT Owner
Camilo cover your eyes
An automotive designer I am not. But throughout the elementary school years, I drew the profile, plan views and sections of that car over, over and over again. While cleaning out a closet a few years ago I ran across an old notebook with some of those sketches (with apology & appreciation to Camilo).
When Ford showed the GT at the centennial celebration in 2003, I knew I had to have one (afterall it was indelibly etched into my mind). My dad, a career Ford guy & racing afficionado, had been diagnosed with leukemia & we hoped that he would be around to see the delivery of the car. He didn't make it to July 2005, but I know he was there in spirit.
An automotive designer I am not. But throughout the elementary school years, I drew the profile, plan views and sections of that car over, over and over again. While cleaning out a closet a few years ago I ran across an old notebook with some of those sketches (with apology & appreciation to Camilo).
When Ford showed the GT at the centennial celebration in 2003, I knew I had to have one (afterall it was indelibly etched into my mind). My dad, a career Ford guy & racing afficionado, had been diagnosed with leukemia & we hoped that he would be around to see the delivery of the car. He didn't make it to July 2005, but I know he was there in spirit.
Would never be seen in a ford.
GMs all my life,Vets,Vets Bla,Bla.Then Mopar Vipers,since they came out.
Then I saw the GT.Got one drove it,Fell in love,Had to get #2 Wish i had more space there would be more.
GMs all my life,Vets,Vets Bla,Bla.Then Mopar Vipers,since they came out.
Then I saw the GT.Got one drove it,Fell in love,Had to get #2 Wish i had more space there would be more.
AZGT
GT Owner
:thumbsup +1 . Don't think I ever owned a Ford before, but now own two. Wonder how many owners have 2 or more GTs. That would be an interesting topic (DBK - do you know?) THAT really says something. Guys will buy two identical Fords, but doubt there are very many other exotics where more than one of the same sits in the garage. You might own an F car 430 and 550, but two 430s?
Me too. For some reason the shape just speaks. As a kid when I drew (well, I guess I should change that to when I draw), the profile always was/is a GT / GT40. It just doesn't get any better. So maybe Camilo just effectively expressed the boy in us all. Thanks CP.
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+2
'Always was a GM guy. 'NEVER bought a new Ford. Ever. 'Never even considered one.
But, when the GT was announced - that ended THAT - INSTANTLY!!!
The GT is for me what the Corvette SHOULD HAVE BEEN for at least the last couple decades. I personally had been waiting for a mid-engine 'Vette since 1970. (There were mid-engine 'Vette "concept cars" as far back as 1970 'best I can remember... but, GM just decided to plug along with the, "same-o same-o", for whatever "bean counting" reasons.)
Of coarse, GM refusing to assist me in getting the ZO6 I'd ordered (and got screwed out of) was no small determining factor in my decision to buy the GT either! But, I undoubtedly would have bought the GT regardless. AT THAT TIME, it would have been "in addition" to the ZO6...but NOW, after having owned/driven the GT, the Z06 would have instantly become the "in addition" car. In fact, I'd pbly have SOLD the darn 'Vette. Shoot! I KNOW I would have! So, I guess, all things considered, GM actually did me a favor! :lol
(So, "A belated thank you, Mr. Wagner.")
Hats off to you Chip for having taken your son and yourself through the tragedy of losing your wife and your boy's mother. I cannot imagine the difficult and sad times you will have been through. That's a load to shoulder.
Ah, the GT!
Every notebook at school was full of sketches of the GT40 - I'd evolved from the XJ13 and the Muira to the sublime and more perfect line of the GT40. I had GT40's chased by steam trains, GT40's mowing down cattle, GT40's being shot by Nazis from Zeplins, GT40's against a back drop of volcano's, nuclear mushroom clouds.... and so on...!
Then they said they'd build one. I got on the list for one of the 28 and then found myself off the list! I bought a Murcielago and a Vanquish. They weren't quite what I was looking for and then, finally, a GT.
I love it. I rarely drive it (only 5,000 miles since late 2005) and hope I'll never have to sell it.
It's a dream realised and, like so many here, that will resonate.
It sits low and mean in my garage next to a Bentley - like Steve McQueen and David Niven perhaps?!
Ah, the GT!
Every notebook at school was full of sketches of the GT40 - I'd evolved from the XJ13 and the Muira to the sublime and more perfect line of the GT40. I had GT40's chased by steam trains, GT40's mowing down cattle, GT40's being shot by Nazis from Zeplins, GT40's against a back drop of volcano's, nuclear mushroom clouds.... and so on...!
Then they said they'd build one. I got on the list for one of the 28 and then found myself off the list! I bought a Murcielago and a Vanquish. They weren't quite what I was looking for and then, finally, a GT.
I love it. I rarely drive it (only 5,000 miles since late 2005) and hope I'll never have to sell it.
It's a dream realised and, like so many here, that will resonate.
It sits low and mean in my garage next to a Bentley - like Steve McQueen and David Niven perhaps?!
FlagstaffGT
GT Owner
It's all my wife's fault! She was picking up her truck at Ford Service, and she said that there was this drop dead gorgeous sports car, it had been there six months, it was a GT something or other. I knew of it, had lusted over it, and told her to stop and be quiet. She kept on and I warned her. She said it was a beautiful color, and I said STOP, but she said midnight blue. It was a Thursday night. My first car, that I still have, a "65 Mustang Caspian Blue convertible, and I said , that was stupid it's now done. Picked it up the next morning.
MK2_GT
GTX1 Owner
- Mar 25, 2006
- 795
Great story Chip, your son is very lucky to have such a great dad.
I knew about the GT40 heritage because I am race fan etc but I did not consider getting a Ford GT until one day I was walking into an Italian restaurant and saw a blue /white stripe parked in the front.
I saw the car, turned to my business partner and said "forget about the Ferrari I was talking about getting...I am getting one of these!"
I knew about the GT40 heritage because I am race fan etc but I did not consider getting a Ford GT until one day I was walking into an Italian restaurant and saw a blue /white stripe parked in the front.
I saw the car, turned to my business partner and said "forget about the Ferrari I was talking about getting...I am getting one of these!"
isaakgt
GT Owner
I was born with blue blood in my veins. My dad was a staunch Ford guy like his dad before him. The GT40 affection or affliction started in the late 60's with slotcars & MatchBox cars like a few others here. I still have my Ford J-Car slotcar & several #41 MatchBox GT's in my collection of Ford stuff. As a teenager I would visit the legendary Bill Stroppe during my summer vacations. Bill is the one that exposed me to the hardcore Ford racing programs. He would pretty much let us loose in his shop what used to be the Ford Autolite research facility on top of Signal Hill near Long Beach, CA. I got to see many neat Ford-Mercury racing projects being developed there. He did have a part in the GT40 development program too. In the early 70's Stroppe was the prep & distribution cordinator for the Pantera program. The GT40, Cobra, Mangusta & Pantera were my dream cars. In that order. In '77 I was able to buy a Pantera at the age of 22, a dream come true. When Ford announced the new GT, I new I had only one shot at it and I had to make it count. When my local dealer recieved his first GT he was kind enough to call and offer me a 2 day test drive. He knew how hardcore I am about Ford HP stuff and how he could more than likely make a sale to me. Thanks to a very understanding wife & family, hard work, I did get my dream car. I still find myself peeking into the garage & pinching myself just to make sure it's really there. I can't wait for Rally #2 so I can personally thank people like Camillo, Fred, and a host of others that made my dream a reality. I LOVE IT! :thumbsup
I grew up in Central Florida seeing the Ford GT 40s race at Sebring. Since that time the GT 40 has become my definition of what road racing cars looks like. When the GT came out I had to have one as it is as close as I will ever get to owning a GT 40.