It's been a long journey. First off, I must say it's more than a bit overwhelming. 15 years ago, after much search and deliberation, I became the original owner of a 2006 Black stripe delete Ford GT. What a great road that has been. I had never even sat in one, but knew instantly from seeing that Superbowl commercial so long ago, that it really was "The One." You purchase it knowing it's all about the car and that there will never be another one like it. And then, I found this forum, attended my first Rally in Newport Beach, and it was a such a small quirky affair and I knew exactly no one prior to arriving at the venue. And you learn that it's not just about the car, that it's about this community, of drivers, mechanics, enthusiasts, racers, and collectors, and that the love of Ford and the love of the GT, the history, it joins us all together in something that is much greater than it's individuals. This experience alone has been exceptional.
Then, this second iteration of the modern GT comes about. It's born not only as a tribute to a storied racecar, IT IS a racecar. And you tell yourself it's insanely expensive, it's a street legal racecar, it has a V6 engine, it doesn't look like the original at all. You ponder 1,000 reasons why no rational individual would ever need one. You wonder if you should you even apply? And of course, there is a clear answer. Yes, of course.
So...I do apply. And I get rejected in the first round with 6,500+ applying. And that's disappointing. And I'm sad for a while. But also, reasonably expected. I mean there's a lot of very qualified people applying for a very limited number of cars. And Ford made the car and has the right to allocate it however they see fit. And the fact that they even put forth the effort, meant there was a chance to dream, and a chance for some good friends to realize their dreams. I certainly did not ever expect another Ford GT to be made when I picked up my 2006, new in wrapper. So this is all just bonus.
And I attend the rallies, and I'm genuinely happy to see Ford GT Forum members receiving their well deserved NFGTs. And I am still so lucky and pleased with my 2006 Ford GT. And you know what, I can't remember everyone who got a new one or didn't, and no one really asks or cares. We are all still members and it's really the same great community that it always was. What car you own or don't own makes no difference.
News is released that Ford is increasing production numbers and there will be a second chance. Woah. I had just reconciled my emotions and convinced myself that I am totally fine and fortunate as things are. Should I even apply again? I mean, in some ways, it's harder to decide to re-apply, than it was to apply during the first round. But of course, the heart wants what the heart wants, and deep down I know that we are not put here on this earth to not try, to not reach for the stars. Fellow forum members are supportive and encourage me to hang in there and give it another shot. So, I do. I don't think I excel in any of the areas on the application, but I do feel that I am well rounded overall in many of the areas. Will that be enough? Again, who knows, but since Ford is offering the chance, I will give it my best. I will hope that my desire and sincerity show through.
Then, I travel to France for the first time in my life, and I watch the NFGTs race at Le Mans, and it's a treat I will never forget. Ford lets us in the hot pits. I don't even own a NFGT. It doesn't matter. I get an incredible life experience just the same. I feel connected to the effort, the racing, the spirit.
Wow. The day comes, and I receive the email. It's scary, after receiving the rejection email a couple years before, but this time, it's the good one. I print it out immediately as if it's going to disappear off the server or be lost or somehow be revoked. LOL, it never disappears. And the path begins. And it's a long time off, but it's a very enjoyable wait. I read every book I can both backwards and forwards about all of the Ford GT's, the racers, the company. I talk to everyone that owns one, and their expectations, experiences. It's all very exciting. The concierge, the configurator, the order kit. The option to apply for the specific factory options arrive, and again, a time of deliberation. The Heritage becomes an option. And wow, just the attention to detail, the design, the thoughtfulness in being a true tribute to the Ford story and Daytona, and Ken Miles and Lloyd Ruby and this historical landmark in the GT's achievements. And again, a lot of deliberation, and the decision to go for it.
Please forgive these crude photos, there will be many many more photos to come. I will start an instagram just for this car itself, to share the images and experience when I can. The car itself is literally stunning. The subtle details, the way that the exposed carbon gently reveals itself in subtle and unexpected, but appreciated ways. The boldness of the red interior. The way the glossy white is mixed with touches of black, carbon, and red. How it's all painted and not stickers. The quality of the paint itself. This was made with passion.
Thank you Dave, Chip, and each of my longtime and supportive friends here at the Ford GT Forum. Without you, this would never even have been possible. Thank you Ford, for making the effort and coming up with a process where truly anyone could have a chance to put a historical and modern, no, a legendary supercar in their garage that can driven on the track or the street with much enjoyment. Thank you Michael and Sean, my immensely well informed and available Ford GT Concierges, thank you Kevin Koshkarian for all your expertise and thoughtful generousity throughout the process, and thank you Steve Coates, Delivery Concierge for your enthusiasm and taking the time to properly welcome this complex and beautiful work of art to our lives. A photo of the view shared with Kevin, Steve, and my family braving the chilly evening coastal weather for our celebration dinner...(Sorry my east coast friends!)
When M007 arrived yesterday, I can genuinely express that it exceeded even my highest expectations.
Thank you all for a dream fulfilled.
Then, this second iteration of the modern GT comes about. It's born not only as a tribute to a storied racecar, IT IS a racecar. And you tell yourself it's insanely expensive, it's a street legal racecar, it has a V6 engine, it doesn't look like the original at all. You ponder 1,000 reasons why no rational individual would ever need one. You wonder if you should you even apply? And of course, there is a clear answer. Yes, of course.
So...I do apply. And I get rejected in the first round with 6,500+ applying. And that's disappointing. And I'm sad for a while. But also, reasonably expected. I mean there's a lot of very qualified people applying for a very limited number of cars. And Ford made the car and has the right to allocate it however they see fit. And the fact that they even put forth the effort, meant there was a chance to dream, and a chance for some good friends to realize their dreams. I certainly did not ever expect another Ford GT to be made when I picked up my 2006, new in wrapper. So this is all just bonus.
And I attend the rallies, and I'm genuinely happy to see Ford GT Forum members receiving their well deserved NFGTs. And I am still so lucky and pleased with my 2006 Ford GT. And you know what, I can't remember everyone who got a new one or didn't, and no one really asks or cares. We are all still members and it's really the same great community that it always was. What car you own or don't own makes no difference.
News is released that Ford is increasing production numbers and there will be a second chance. Woah. I had just reconciled my emotions and convinced myself that I am totally fine and fortunate as things are. Should I even apply again? I mean, in some ways, it's harder to decide to re-apply, than it was to apply during the first round. But of course, the heart wants what the heart wants, and deep down I know that we are not put here on this earth to not try, to not reach for the stars. Fellow forum members are supportive and encourage me to hang in there and give it another shot. So, I do. I don't think I excel in any of the areas on the application, but I do feel that I am well rounded overall in many of the areas. Will that be enough? Again, who knows, but since Ford is offering the chance, I will give it my best. I will hope that my desire and sincerity show through.
Then, I travel to France for the first time in my life, and I watch the NFGTs race at Le Mans, and it's a treat I will never forget. Ford lets us in the hot pits. I don't even own a NFGT. It doesn't matter. I get an incredible life experience just the same. I feel connected to the effort, the racing, the spirit.
Wow. The day comes, and I receive the email. It's scary, after receiving the rejection email a couple years before, but this time, it's the good one. I print it out immediately as if it's going to disappear off the server or be lost or somehow be revoked. LOL, it never disappears. And the path begins. And it's a long time off, but it's a very enjoyable wait. I read every book I can both backwards and forwards about all of the Ford GT's, the racers, the company. I talk to everyone that owns one, and their expectations, experiences. It's all very exciting. The concierge, the configurator, the order kit. The option to apply for the specific factory options arrive, and again, a time of deliberation. The Heritage becomes an option. And wow, just the attention to detail, the design, the thoughtfulness in being a true tribute to the Ford story and Daytona, and Ken Miles and Lloyd Ruby and this historical landmark in the GT's achievements. And again, a lot of deliberation, and the decision to go for it.
Please forgive these crude photos, there will be many many more photos to come. I will start an instagram just for this car itself, to share the images and experience when I can. The car itself is literally stunning. The subtle details, the way that the exposed carbon gently reveals itself in subtle and unexpected, but appreciated ways. The boldness of the red interior. The way the glossy white is mixed with touches of black, carbon, and red. How it's all painted and not stickers. The quality of the paint itself. This was made with passion.
Thank you Dave, Chip, and each of my longtime and supportive friends here at the Ford GT Forum. Without you, this would never even have been possible. Thank you Ford, for making the effort and coming up with a process where truly anyone could have a chance to put a historical and modern, no, a legendary supercar in their garage that can driven on the track or the street with much enjoyment. Thank you Michael and Sean, my immensely well informed and available Ford GT Concierges, thank you Kevin Koshkarian for all your expertise and thoughtful generousity throughout the process, and thank you Steve Coates, Delivery Concierge for your enthusiasm and taking the time to properly welcome this complex and beautiful work of art to our lives. A photo of the view shared with Kevin, Steve, and my family braving the chilly evening coastal weather for our celebration dinner...(Sorry my east coast friends!)
When M007 arrived yesterday, I can genuinely express that it exceeded even my highest expectations.
Thank you all for a dream fulfilled.
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