The Ford GT is considered to be the ultimate Blue Oval product. Proven on the tracks of LeMans and on the street in recent years, they’re Ford’s answer to the Ferraris and Lamborghinis form across the pond. These days, The Ford GT has evolved form a raw and raucous large-displacement V8 race car, to a high-tech, twin-turbo V6 technological wonder. While it has the soul of the original car, there’s just something missing form it in the eyes of some.
In our option, Ford got it right, providing a blend of classic style and a proper V8, with modern technology and sophistication with the 2005-2006 entry. Packing a supercharged, DOHC 5.4L V8 with 540hp, the GT of the 2000s was a beast.
The fact that Ford actually built it, and built it the way that they had, still shocks many enthusiasts today — even Jay Leno. Jay picked his car up brand new, right after the Ford family nabbed all of theirs. Stamped as car Number 12, his car features just about every person who had a hand in its assembly, as well as its design. That includes Camilo Pardo, then Ford Chief Designer of the 2005 GT.
Pardo sketched just about every line of the car’s shape, he knows all of the ins and out of the vehicle, and sat down with just about everyone during the car’s inception — including John Colleti, Carroll Shelby, Niki Lauda, Jackie Stewart, and many others.
Leno is so intrigued by the backstory of the GT, that he brings him in for this special edition episode of Jay Leno’s Garage. The info in this clip is fascinating, and if you’re a Ford GT fan on any level,
Rick Seitz is the owner and founder of AutoCentric Media, and has a true love and passion for all vehicles; GM, Ford, Dodge, imports, trucks — you name it! When he isn’t clacking away on his keyboard, he’s building, tuning, driving or testing his current crop of personal projects!
