As someone deeply entrenched in the Ford GT world, having owned a 2005 model for 13 years and currently enjoying a 2019 version, I can offer a unique perspective on these iconic vehicles. My history with the 2005 Ford Gt is extensive; I put over 30,000 miles on it, experiencing everything from daily drives to spirited track sessions before eventually selling it. This personal journey provides a solid foundation for understanding the enduring allure of the 2005 Ford GT, especially when compared to its modern successor.
Let’s be upfront: my fondness for the Ford GT, particularly the 2005 model, is undeniable. This bias stems from years of exceptional experiences with my own 2005 GT. Acquired on August 23rd, 2005, from Santa Monica Ford with just 7 miles on the clock, it became more than just a car; it was a reliable and thrilling companion. One memorable instance that highlights this reliability was driving from the new Ford GT press launch in Salt Lake City back to Los Angeles. Somewhere in the vast expanse of Utah, in the dead of night, my 2005 GT ticked past the 30,000-mile mark. This long drive, undertaken to avoid LA traffic, underscored the car’s grand touring capabilities despite its supercar status.
Alt text: 2005 Ford GT in motion during the Utah press launch event, showcasing its driving capabilities.
My philosophy with cars, especially those wearing license plates, is simple: they are meant to be driven. The 2005 Ford GT perfectly embodies this. It’s not a fragile showpiece but a robust machine built to be enjoyed. I’ve encountered supercars that demand constant coddling, but the 2005 GT is different. Its owner community includes individuals who have racked up incredible mileage, with some exceeding 150,000 miles. My own experiences, including navigating through unexpected hailstorms and severe weather during that Utah trip, demonstrated the car’s unflappable nature. It handled everything thrown at it without drama, reinforcing its reputation for durability.
Alt text: 2005 Ford GT bravely enduring a sudden hailstorm, emphasizing its robust build and paint resilience.
Adding to its pedigree, my 2005 Ford GT even saw track time at the hands of Ford factory racing driver Billy Johnson during the new Ford GT press launch. Johnson, a key development driver for the new GT but unfamiliar with the older model, was impressed. After several spirited laps, he declared my 2005 GT “a pure machine,” a testament to its inherent driving dynamics. While countless aspects of the 2005 Ford GT could be discussed, focusing on its core strengths is key to understanding its lasting appeal.
The Driving Dynamics of the 2005 Ford GT: Precision and Feedback
One of the most lauded aspects of the 2005 Ford GT is its steering. It’s remarkably precise, offering a level of feedback that rivals, though perhaps doesn’t quite reach, the benchmarks set by Ferrari and Porsche. This communicative steering inspires confidence, making the car feel planted and manageable whether you’re on a racetrack or a winding public road. Complementing the steering is the Ricardo 6-speed manual transmission. Widely considered one of the finest manual transmissions ever created, it features short, intuitive throws and requires minimal effort. The clutch pedal pressure is akin to a modern Mustang GT or BMW sedan, and the pedal layout is perfectly configured for effortless heel-and-toe downshifts.
Alt text: Ford racing driver Billy Johnson and the author standing beside the 2005 Ford GT, highlighting professional endorsement of the car’s performance.
Power and Performance: The Supercharged Heart of the 2005 GT
The 2005 Ford GT’s driving experience is further enhanced by its potent powertrain. The combination of its refined controls and a broad, torque-rich powerband makes it exceptionally enjoyable to drive hard. Under the hood lies a 5.4-liter supercharged V8 engine, boasting an aluminum block and heads, along with a dry-sump oil system. My particular GT was fitted with a Ford Performance/Borla exhaust, amplifying the engine’s already impressive soundtrack and the factory rated 550 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque.
It’s worth noting that my car had undergone some performance enhancements, including a smaller supercharger pulley and a computer re-flash to increase boost. These modifications resulted in a dyno-verified 618 rear-wheel horsepower, translating to approximately 700 horsepower at the crankshaft. In stock configuration, the 2005 Ford GT could achieve 0-60 mph in a brisk 3.7 seconds and cover the quarter-mile in 11.8 seconds at 124 mph. With the modifications, these figures improved to 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 11.6 seconds at 126 mph. While the top speed of my modified GT remained untested, factory models were certified at 205 mph, a figure corroborated by numerous owners. Remarkably, despite this performance, the 2005 Ford GT can achieve over 20 mpg on the highway, with my own car averaging 17 mpg in mixed driving over 12 years and 30,000 miles, showcasing surprising efficiency for a supercar of its caliber.
More Than Just Numbers: The Enduring Qualities of the 2005 Ford GT
In its era, the mid-2000s, the Ford GT was among the quickest cars available. Modified versions have pushed performance boundaries even further, with a 2006 Ford GT famously setting a world record at the Texas Mile, exceeding 300 mph. However, focusing solely on performance metrics overlooks what truly sets the 2005 Ford GT apart. Its most compelling attributes lie in its durability, low maintenance requirements, reasonable operating costs, surprising comfort, and timeless design. Decades from now, the 2005 Ford GT will undoubtedly still be admired as a design icon.
Alt text: 2005 Ford GT participating in a driving school at Willow Springs Turn 4, demonstrating its track capability and driver engagement.
The very existence of the 2005-2006 Ford GT, conceived and executed under significant time constraints and financial challenges faced by Ford in the mid-2000s, is an achievement in itself. This remarkable story of its creation contributes to its increasing value since production ceased in October 2006. The 2005 Ford GT established a high benchmark, one that any successor would need to surpass. While the new Ford GT prioritizes track performance and racing success, the 2005 model remains a compelling and attainable supercar with a unique blend of performance, usability, and timeless appeal. Its “sweetheart” driving dynamics and robust nature continue to captivate enthusiasts, making the 2005 Ford GT a truly special machine in the world of supercars.
