Totally by chance, or being in the right place at the right time, I ran into a Ford service tech here in southern Arizona, (this happened in the last 2 weeks). We got to talking about my F150, and I told him that someday I wanted to buy a GT. He said that he knew a guy who owned one not far from where I lived and he gave me his name and phone number. So I called the guy, who I will call my "new friend" (NF), and he could not have been nicer! Most car guys are.
Anyway, I told NF that I very much would like to see his car and that sometime next year, I planned to purchase one. Also, if he wouldn't mind, allow me to sit in it as I would like to find out what one "feels" like. He says, "No problem" and he might even give me a ride! (I have read a ton of info from this site, all extremely valuable, and feel I was able to converse with him much more intelligently about the car from the things I've read about on the Forum...........visibility, seat comfort, roominess, etc., etc., etc.).
I arrive at NF's house promptly at 10:00AM this morning, (clear skies, 74 degrees, no wind), and he opens his garage to reveal a 2005 red/white striped GT that made my heart skip a beat. (This is only the second time I've been next to one and the first one was at a Ford dealer in Scottsdale that was in the showroom). So what does NF do next??? Gets in it and starts it up and drives it out of the garage. First time for me to hear the engine, too. Next he lifts the clamshell, so I can see the good stuff and we both comment on, and appreciate the phenomenal engineering we are looking at. Brilliant, just brilliant AMERICAN KNOW HOW!!!
Guess what he does next??? YEP, throws me the keys and says, "Go have some fun." (May God strike me down dead if I'm lying). I stand there and my brain dies.......I think I babbled something like, "no you drive and I'll go along". He says, "No, take the car down the steet to the main highway, turn right, have fun, and be back in 10 minutes." (I AM A TOTAL STRANGER to this guy).
At 6' 1", (185 lbs.) I have no problem fitting in the car whatsoever. My first impressions were like being in a "cockpit". (I have owned several airplanes and this was very similar, although the planes have better visibility). I immediately "felt" the size of my surroundings. (His car is fully optioned except for the optional wheels, which we both agree are not something either of us like. I REALLY like the look of the 6 spokes). He instructed me on how best to position the seat and the steering wheel, too. Anyway, I put the key in the ignition and turned it, rolled down the side window, released the brake handle, pushed in the clutch and hit the start button. Nothing happened. NF told me to push the clutch ALL THE WAY IN. When the engine started and I heard that sound, time stood still, really.
He again said, "Have fun", and went back into his garage. I slowly pulled out of the driveway, turned onto the residential street and headed for the highway about 1/3 of a mile down the street. Turning onto the highway I accelerated in first gear ignoring the tach., but listening to the engine easily knowing when to shift into second. (I think I hit 60 mph in about one second, but DID NOT "get on it"). I thought the acceleration was superb, shifting was butter-smooth, and the ride much quieter and smoother than I had anticipated. Really, very quiet and very smooth. Visibility, in my opinion, is not too bad as I used the mirrors judiciously, but when I turn my head to look over my left shoulder, to change lanes........all I see is a pillar! I realize and have read that this is one of the "things" about the car. No big deal.
Overall impressions:
1. GOTTA HAVE ONE!
2. It is not like putting on a coat. You put on the car, the whole thing becomes one.
3. Visibility - not great, but not too bad......"ok".
4. Steering - excellent. Not overly sensitive. Just right.
5. Comfort - very good. I liked the seats and the ride I thought was smooth.
6. Acceleration - "WUNDERBAR" and totally as expected.
7. It is DEFINITELY an American Masculine Muscle car and has ABSOLUTELY no female traits whatsoever. IT IS NOT A "HER" OR A "SHE". (This is a "male" car and no offense to any women who might own one).
Anyways, I'm still walking on air, high as a kite and cannot wait to someday own one. When I first posted to this Forum, I asked the members for their "pros" and "cons" on ownership and one member said to "just buy one".
It is like I used to tell people when they asked me about my Harley (FXDWG). I would jokingly say, "If I have to explain, you wouldn't understand."
Guess what? I UNDERSTAND.
Anyway, I told NF that I very much would like to see his car and that sometime next year, I planned to purchase one. Also, if he wouldn't mind, allow me to sit in it as I would like to find out what one "feels" like. He says, "No problem" and he might even give me a ride! (I have read a ton of info from this site, all extremely valuable, and feel I was able to converse with him much more intelligently about the car from the things I've read about on the Forum...........visibility, seat comfort, roominess, etc., etc., etc.).
I arrive at NF's house promptly at 10:00AM this morning, (clear skies, 74 degrees, no wind), and he opens his garage to reveal a 2005 red/white striped GT that made my heart skip a beat. (This is only the second time I've been next to one and the first one was at a Ford dealer in Scottsdale that was in the showroom). So what does NF do next??? Gets in it and starts it up and drives it out of the garage. First time for me to hear the engine, too. Next he lifts the clamshell, so I can see the good stuff and we both comment on, and appreciate the phenomenal engineering we are looking at. Brilliant, just brilliant AMERICAN KNOW HOW!!!
Guess what he does next??? YEP, throws me the keys and says, "Go have some fun." (May God strike me down dead if I'm lying). I stand there and my brain dies.......I think I babbled something like, "no you drive and I'll go along". He says, "No, take the car down the steet to the main highway, turn right, have fun, and be back in 10 minutes." (I AM A TOTAL STRANGER to this guy).
At 6' 1", (185 lbs.) I have no problem fitting in the car whatsoever. My first impressions were like being in a "cockpit". (I have owned several airplanes and this was very similar, although the planes have better visibility). I immediately "felt" the size of my surroundings. (His car is fully optioned except for the optional wheels, which we both agree are not something either of us like. I REALLY like the look of the 6 spokes). He instructed me on how best to position the seat and the steering wheel, too. Anyway, I put the key in the ignition and turned it, rolled down the side window, released the brake handle, pushed in the clutch and hit the start button. Nothing happened. NF told me to push the clutch ALL THE WAY IN. When the engine started and I heard that sound, time stood still, really.
He again said, "Have fun", and went back into his garage. I slowly pulled out of the driveway, turned onto the residential street and headed for the highway about 1/3 of a mile down the street. Turning onto the highway I accelerated in first gear ignoring the tach., but listening to the engine easily knowing when to shift into second. (I think I hit 60 mph in about one second, but DID NOT "get on it"). I thought the acceleration was superb, shifting was butter-smooth, and the ride much quieter and smoother than I had anticipated. Really, very quiet and very smooth. Visibility, in my opinion, is not too bad as I used the mirrors judiciously, but when I turn my head to look over my left shoulder, to change lanes........all I see is a pillar! I realize and have read that this is one of the "things" about the car. No big deal.
Overall impressions:
1. GOTTA HAVE ONE!
2. It is not like putting on a coat. You put on the car, the whole thing becomes one.
3. Visibility - not great, but not too bad......"ok".
4. Steering - excellent. Not overly sensitive. Just right.
5. Comfort - very good. I liked the seats and the ride I thought was smooth.
6. Acceleration - "WUNDERBAR" and totally as expected.
7. It is DEFINITELY an American Masculine Muscle car and has ABSOLUTELY no female traits whatsoever. IT IS NOT A "HER" OR A "SHE". (This is a "male" car and no offense to any women who might own one).
Anyways, I'm still walking on air, high as a kite and cannot wait to someday own one. When I first posted to this Forum, I asked the members for their "pros" and "cons" on ownership and one member said to "just buy one".
It is like I used to tell people when they asked me about my Harley (FXDWG). I would jokingly say, "If I have to explain, you wouldn't understand."
Guess what? I UNDERSTAND.
Last edited:
arty