Ford GT To Buy: Inside Ford’s Exclusive Selection Process

The Ford GT holds a hallowed place in American automotive history, born from the legendary GT40 race cars that famously conquered Le Mans. Ford revived the icon first in the mid-2000s and then again with the stunning second-generation model unveiled in 2015 alongside the Forza Motorsport video game. This new iteration, coupled with a triumphant return to Le Mans victory in 2016 (50 years after the original), generated immense hype. Demand far outstripped the planned limited production, forcing Ford to implement a highly selective process to determine who would get the chance to have a Ford Gt To Buy. This article delves into the intricate requirements and stringent rules Ford established for prospective owners, based on information available following the conclusion of its production run, sourced from Ford, Multimatic, and other authoritative automotive outlets.

Navigating the Gauntlet: The Ford GT Application Process

Ford initially announced a production run of just 1,000 units for the new GT, spread over four years. However, the overwhelming interest, reflected in over 6,500 formal applications, prompted Ford to extend production. The first 500 cars were allocated for the 2017 and 2018 model years, with subsequent application rounds for the following years. Ultimately, Ford increased the total production to 1,350 units, extending the manufacturing timeline into 2022 to fulfill these orders.

This intense demand necessitated a rigorous application process designed to filter candidates and identify those Ford deemed most suitable for ownership. Priority was often given to loyal Ford customers and VIPs in the initial phases. Successful applicants didn’t just walk into a dealership; they engaged with a dedicated Ford GT concierge service, separate from the standard dealer network. This bespoke service guided buyers through configuring their vehicle, choosing from pre-approved options like interior materials, standard or custom paint finishes, wheel designs, and even historic Heritage Edition liveries.

More Than Money: Who Did Ford Want Driving the GT?

Ford wasn’t just looking for wealthy buyers; they had specific criteria aimed at ensuring the cars were appreciated and seen, reinforcing the brand’s image and the car’s legacy.

Prioritizing Drivers, Not Collectors

Above all, Ford sought owners who would actually drive their GTs. The company poured immense engineering effort into creating an automotive masterpiece and wanted these cars actively used and visible, not merely stored away as static investments. Applicants known primarily for buying and storing cars purely for appreciation, without demonstrating a passion for driving them, were less likely to receive an allocation. Ford wanted their supercar experienced on the road, embodying the performance spirit it represented.

Side profile of a blue and orange 2023 Ford GT Mk IV race car on track, highlighting Ford's commitment to performance driving.

Bleeding Blue Oval: The Ford Enthusiast Factor

Brand loyalty played a significant role, a common practice among manufacturers of exclusive vehicles. Having a history with Ford, particularly owning previous Ford performance models or, ideally, a first-generation Ford GT, heavily favored an applicant. The application questionnaire specifically probed into a candidate’s relationship with the Ford brand. Those who not only owned a previous GT but actively drove it were often high on the consideration list.

Fitness expert Andy Frisella’s successful application provides a colorful example. Instead of a polished video explaining his worthiness, he submitted raw cellphone footage of himself doing burnouts and donuts in his 2005 Ford GT. This unconventional approach caught the attention of Ford executives, demonstrating his genuine enthusiasm for driving the car. Owning two GTs at the time certainly didn’t hurt his chances either.

Youtuber Shmee150 standing proudly next to his blue Ford GT, illustrating the importance of social presence for Ford GT allocation.

Amplifying the Hype: The Role of Social Presence

Ford recognized the marketing power of influential owners. Applicants with a substantial social media presence or public profile were viewed favorably, as their ownership would naturally generate publicity for the GT. If owners were driving the cars as Ford intended, their experiences would likely be shared across their platforms, amplifying the car’s reach and desirability. This factor helped prominent YouTubers like Shmee150, Brooks from DragTimes, and Jordan Maron (CaptainSparklez) secure allocations. Their subsequent content featuring the cars—drag racing, road trips, and daily driving documentation—validated Ford’s strategy. Other notable owners included Jay Leno, John Cena, Deadmau5, John Hennessey, Manny Khoshbin, Jack Roush, Zak Brown, Scott Eastwood, Tim Allen, and Alan Hartman (Turn 10 Studios/Forza Motorsport).

Signing on the Dotted Line: Ownership Strings Attached

Securing an allocation was just the first hurdle; ownership came with strict conditions designed to protect the brand and manage the car’s exclusivity.

The Two-Year Rule: No Flipping Allowed

With demand vastly exceeding supply, the secondary market value for the Ford GT skyrocketed almost immediately, often reaching double or even triple the MSRP. Cars initially priced around $500,000 were quickly commanding over $1 million. To discourage speculation and ensure cars went to genuine enthusiasts, Ford required buyers to sign an agreement contractually forbidding them from selling the vehicle for the first two years of ownership. Violating this agreement could lead to legal action from Ford and blacklisting from future special edition purchases.

Stunning 2020 Ford GT in Liquid Carbon finish parked outdoors, representing the high desirability and value subject to resale restrictions.

Despite this, actor and pro wrestler John Cena famously sold his Ford GT shortly after taking delivery, reportedly for nearly $1.6 million. This high-profile breach led to Ford suing Cena. The parties eventually reached a settlement involving a monetary payment and a donation to a charity chosen by Ford.

Price is Firm: No Haggling for the GT

The Ford GT’s price, starting around $500,000 and climbing significantly with options and special editions (like the track-focused Mk IV nearing $1.7 million), was non-negotiable. Potential buyers could not haggle over the final cost determined through the concierge service. Furthermore, trade-ins were not accepted towards the purchase. The cars were hand-built by Multimatic Engineering in Ontario, Canada, in a dedicated facility, not on a standard Ford assembly line, streamlining the process by requiring direct payment without complex trade-in valuations. If you wanted a Ford GT, you had to pay the asking price in full.

Location, Location, Location: Geographic Restrictions

Eligibility for a Ford Gt To Buy was also geographically restricted. Ford pre-selected specific countries and regions where the car would be officially sold, based largely on the capabilities of the dealer and service network in those areas. If you didn’t reside in one of these approved markets, you were generally ineligible to purchase one directly from Ford. Allocations were distributed across specific countries in North America (USA, Canada), Europe (Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UK), Asia (China, Macau, Philippines), and the Middle East (Saudi Arabia, UAE).

Map graphic displaying countries highlighted in blue where customers were eligible to buy a new Ford GT.

The Basics: Valid Driver’s License Required

A seemingly obvious but explicitly stated requirement was possessing a valid driver’s license. This served as a basic identity verification step and reinforced Ford’s intention that the cars be purchased by qualified drivers who could legally operate them. It also added a layer of security against fraudulent applications.

Keeping the Supercar Super: Service and Maintenance

Ownership responsibilities extended to how the car was maintained and transported.

One Specialized Service Hub: Multimatic

While routine maintenance such as oil changes, brake pad replacements, and tire swaps could be handled by specially certified Ford dealerships, any major repairs required a unique process. Issues involving significant collision damage, major powertrain problems, or any repair necessitating substantial disassembly of the car had to be addressed by Multimatic in Canada – the same facility where the GT was built. This ensured that repairs involving the car’s complex, race-derived technology were performed by the ultimate experts, maintaining the vehicle’s integrity and value. Even major work on the Ford-sourced twin-turbo V6 engine fell under this requirement.

Silver Ford GT carefully loaded onto a specialized white JIMGLO enclosed trailer, recommended for safe transport.

Ford GT Engine Specifications

(Source: Ford, Car And Driver)

Recommended Transport: The Bespoke JIMGLO Trailer

Recognizing the challenges of transporting a low-slung, wide supercar with butterfly doors, Ford collaborated with JIMGLO Trailers. They developed a bespoke enclosed trailer specifically designed to accommodate the GT’s dimensions and facilitate safe loading and unloading without causing damage. While purchasing this specific trailer wasn’t mandatory, Ford strongly recommended it or a similar high-quality solution to ensure the vehicle’s protection during transport.

Conclusion

The journey to acquire a second-generation Ford GT directly from Ford was far more involved than simply having the financial means. It was an exclusive process demanding demonstrated brand loyalty, a commitment to driving the car, often a public profile, and acceptance of strict contractual limitations regarding resale, pricing, and servicing. Ford’s meticulous approach underscored the GT’s status as a halo car, ensuring that the limited production run went to individuals deemed worthy custodians of the iconic nameplate. For anyone seeking a ford gt to buy during its production years, navigating this complex web of requirements was the only path to ownership.