Visitors to Big Boys Toys next weekend will be treated to a select line-up of the world’s latest exotic supercars, but none are harder to get ahold of than the ultra-rare Ford GT.
The GT was priced from US$500,000 when it was unveiled in late 2015 and limited to 500 units in its first two-year production cycle (demand meant a second 500-unit run was announced this year) but having enough cash in the bank didn’t mean you’d be able to get your hands on one.
Prospective buyers were required to pass an extensive evaluation process that included handing over details of one’s car history, charitable donations and an agreement not to sell the supercar within two years. If you passed the five-page application form, you were invited to purchase the fastest car Ford has produced.
Read more: Full Ford GT review: Ford's fastest production car ever
The Ford GT at Big Boys Toys is one of two in New Zealand (if you went to Leadfoot this year you’ll know about the other one), and the two cars on local shores are the only Ford GTs in the Southern Hemisphere.
The Ford GT is a true road-going race car, designed from the outset to win one of the world’s most challenging races, the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Following on from the original GT40 that competed at Le Mans in the 1960s, the new-generation GT was developed in time for the start of the famous race in 2016 — 50 years after Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon claimed Ford’s first victory at Le Mans in a 7-litre Ford GT40 Mk II.
The Ford GT would go on to claim victory on debut with a convincing LM GTE class win, and production of road-going versions began in December that year.
But it isn’t only the limited production and strict application process that makes this Ford GT unique. Its spec and options list are also different to any other GT’s.
The owner of this GT always wanted the body painted in black, “because it’s going to live in New Zealand and black, without race stripes, was the perfect look.”
But look closer and you’ll see two different shades of black — gloss body paint and matt carbon fibre.
This GT features matt carbon accents on the front splitter, side skirts and bare carbon fibre one-piece wheels. In the rear you’ll see a bare carbon diffuser, active rear wing and Akrapovic race exhaust.
Inside the cabin, the carbon theme continues with exposed carbon on the monocoque chassis and inserts across the dashboard.
You can also spot factory-fitted mounts for six-point racing harnesses, a fixed seat with moveable pedal box and one of the busiest steering wheels you’ll find in any road car.
Powered by a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine producing 482kW of power and 746Nm of torque, the GT is able to accelerate from 0 to100km/h in 2.9 seconds, 0-160km/h in 6 seconds and achieve a top speed of 348km/h.
The Ford GT will be joined with a host of supercars at Big Boys Toys 2018, including some of latest models from Ferrari, Aston Martin and Lamborghini.
Big Boys Toys takes place at ASB Showgrounds in Auckland from November 16-18. Tickets and info can be found at bigboystoys.co.nz
Read more: Limited edition Ford GT celebrates Kiwi Le Mans win
