As someone deeply entrenched in the world of high-performance automobiles, and with the unique perspective of having owned both a 2005 Ford Gt and a newer model, it’s crucial to address any potential bias upfront. For 13 years and over 30,000 miles, a 2005 Ford GT was my personal pride and joy before I eventually passed it on. I also currently own a 2019 Ford GT. This intimate experience with both generations provides a unique lens through which to evaluate the iconic 2005 Ford GT. Consider this a well-informed perspective, albeit one from an admitted enthusiast.
Silver 2005 Ford GT being transported, emphasizing its classic design
The 2005 Ford GT isn’t just a car; it’s an experience. My personal journey with this vehicle began on August 23rd, 2005, when I took delivery from Santa Monica Ford. It arrived with a mere 7 miles on the odometer, a blank canvas ready for adventures. Years later, during a drive back from the new Ford GT press launch in Salt Lake City, my trusted 2005 model clicked past the 30,000-mile mark in the dead of night in Utah. This wasn’t a pampered garage queen; this was a driven machine. The 700-mile overnight journey back to Los Angeles, specifically timed to avoid LA traffic, was a testament to the car’s grand touring capabilities. Leaving Utah Motorsports Campus at 8 p.m. and arriving home at 4 a.m. underscores the 2005 Ford GT’s ability to handle real-world driving demands.
Red 2005 Ford GT speeding on a track, showcasing its performance capabilities
My philosophy with cars, especially those wearing license plates, is simple: they are meant to be driven. The 2005 Ford GT was no exception. It was treated as any other vehicle in my garage, facing daily driving conditions and long road trips without hesitation. I’ve little patience for fragile, high-maintenance machines that are better suited for museums than open roads. Thankfully, the 2005 Ford GT consistently defied any notion of being delicate. Anecdotally, I know of owners who have clocked nearly 150,000 miles on their GTs, a testament to its robust build quality and engineering. My own trip back from Utah involved battling high winds, torrential rain, and even a hailstorm – a first for me in the GT. Yet, it remained unfazed, exhibiting none of the skittishness or drama one might expect from a supercar encountering such adverse conditions.
Blue 2005 Ford GT caught in a hailstorm, emphasizing its resilience
Adding to its credentials, my 2005 Ford GT even saw track time at the new Ford GT press launch, driven by none other than Ford factory racing driver Billy Johnson. Johnson, a key development driver for the new Ford GT but a newcomer to the previous generation, had the chance to experience my car firsthand. After several spirited laps around Utah Motorsports Campus, often with the car at considerable angles, Billy offered his official endorsement: “What a pure machine.” This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the essence of the 2005 Ford GT.
Karl Brauer and Billy Johnson standing next to a 2005 Ford GT, highlighting expert validation
Delving into the specifics, the 2005 Ford GT boasts remarkably precise steering with exceptional feedback. While perhaps not quite matching the communicative prowess of a Ferrari or Porsche, it comes incredibly close, instilling confidence and ease of driving at high speeds, whether on a track or winding public roads. The Ricardo 6-speed manual transmission is a standout feature, widely regarded as one of the finest three-pedal setups ever created. Its short, intuitive throws and light effort contribute to an engaging driving experience. Similarly, the clutch pedal pressure is akin to a modern Mustang GT or BMW sedan, and the pedal placement is perfectly conducive to heel-and-toe downshifts.
Combine these tactile controls with the 2005 Ford GT’s broad, torque-rich powerband, and you have a supercar that is surprisingly accessible and enjoyable to push hard. The 5.4-liter supercharged V8 engine, featuring an aluminum block and heads, and a dry-sump oil system, delivers a potent 550 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque in stock form. My car was further enhanced with a Ford Performance/Borla exhaust, smaller supercharger pulley, and a computer re-flash, boosting output to a dyno-proven 618 rear-wheel horsepower, approximately 700 horsepower at the crank.
Performance figures for a stock 2005 Ford GT are impressive: 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 11.8 seconds at 124 mph. With modifications, these numbers improved to 3.5 seconds and 11.6 seconds at 126 mph, respectively. While I never personally tested the top speed post-modifications, factory models were certified at 205 mph, a figure corroborated by numerous owners. Remarkably, despite its supercar performance, the 2005 Ford GT is also relatively fuel-efficient, achieving over 20 mpg on the highway and an average of 17 mpg over my 12-year, 30,000-mile ownership.
In its era, the mid-2000s, the Ford GT was among the quickest cars available. Its performance potential is further underscored by a modified 2006 Ford GT holding the world record at the Texas Mile, exceeding 300 mph with a staggering 2,000 horsepower. However, focusing solely on performance metrics misses the core appeal of the 2005 Ford GT. Its true strengths lie in its durability, low maintenance, reasonable running costs, comfortable ride, and timeless design. Even decades from now, the 2005 Ford GT will undoubtedly be celebrated as one of the most visually striking cars ever created, a design that will continue to captivate enthusiasts for generations to come.
Ford GT on track at Willow Springs, showcasing its racing heritage and handling
The very existence of the 2005-2006 Ford GT, especially considering the challenging circumstances and tight timelines Ford faced in the mid-2000s, is a testament to Ford’s engineering prowess and dedication. This limited production run, coupled with its iconic design and performance, explains why these cars have consistently appreciated in value since production ceased in October 2006.
When considering the 2005 Ford GT in the context of its successor, the new Ford GT, it’s vital to understand their distinct objectives. The 2005 GT was conceived as a street car, a modern homage to the legendary GT40, blending performance with grand touring capabilities. In contrast, the new Ford GT is a purpose-built race car, engineered with the primary goal of winning at Le Mans – a mission it gloriously achieved in 2016, echoing the GT40’s historic victory 50 years prior, with 1st, 3rd, and 4th place finishes at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
While the new Ford GT is undoubtedly a technological marvel and a track weapon in street-legal guise, the 2005 Ford GT retains a unique charm and accessibility that makes it a compelling choice for enthusiasts seeking a blend of performance, usability, and timeless design in a supercar. Its robust nature, engaging driving dynamics, and iconic status solidify the 2005 Ford GT’s place as a true modern classic.
