The Final Countdown

[dbk]

The home stretch on the GT program is here. I was up at MNV in December with a friend to see his car and things have definitely changed a whole lot from the early days. The volume of people and the number of stations and the layout of the facility all ended up a whole lot different in December 2022 than they were in January of 2017. But it will always be a really special place that did something utterly insane. So many cool people up there. Everyone always calls it a "plant" but MNV always felt more like a giant race shop. Can't believe it's almost over!

I was up again last week and things had already quieted down a bunch. Got to see Pearce and Pardeep and Angus King and Alan Eggly and Tony Benincasa and annoy them for a few more hours. And OF COURSE Terry came with! In general you could just feel that things were different. Seemed like it was down to about 20ish cars to go. Some parts of the build for the final units are already complete and will never be repeated. I saw the final unit and it was well on its way. Over the next ~6 weeks, 7 new GTs will be delivered at Icon, so I'll have a decent amount to post.

One more time!

 

[SYCO GT]

Thank you DBK for the update and I like your description of it as a "giant race shop." Well said. Glad that my family and I had the chance to visit last summer.

 

[spartan]

Wow, hard to believe its coming to an end. Thanks to all that made it possible! Look forward to the next event.

Thank you Ford, Multimatic, Ford GT Concierge team and Ford GT Forum (DBK).

 

[Specracer]

To echo DBK's comments, it really did feel different than when we were last there, 5 years ago almost to the day (one day off).

 

[extrap]

MAN! You guys are all so lucky to have been here in time to be able to be involved! So cool! What an event in automotive history!

Knowing how special the 2016 LeMans race was, and then the NGT release, I imagine the production winding down is emotional for some NGT owners and some involved in its design and production.

 

[Demolition Man]

Thanks for the update Dave. Seems like only yesterday that I visited the plant to see K177 during production waiting for it's next stage in the assembly process. Had a great visit, thanks to Terry, seeing many great sites in Toronto including seeing Niagra Falls for the very first time. Look forward to seeing everyone soon and can't wait for the next chapter.

 

[Stef]

Also thanks for the latest update.
It just seems like 2017 wasn't that long ago and surreal this program is at end. I guess as the saying goes, as one door closes another opens.
Here's hoping the next chapter is as awesome as it's been so far.

 

[Ed Sims]

Wow. Hard to believe it's almost over. What a journey. I was blessed to be a part of it. Of course Terry is there - LOL!

 

[CJ428]

Seems sad, but every thing comes to an end. But all the memories and friendships endure.

 

[ChipBeck]

Gentlemen,

I don't like it when cool things I've enjoyed come to an end. Like my 4 years in college, the 4 years of the GT IMSA and WEC teams were a blast. Trips to Multimatic, the races, the rallies and the whole new GT program really were "something utterly insane". The sound and feel of these last great ICE mid engine Fords will never be repeated and I'm thrilled we got to experience it. Dave got to do something more. Without DBK shepherding the enthusiasm of a relatively small # of GT owners and with only about 3000 cars extant, he blew that tiny spark into a raging bonfire of media, awareness, desire, and customer/car maker interaction that was a major reason the players who could green light this utterly insane project said, "Let's do it." We were all the beneficiaries. Bravo.

Chip

 

[JWZ]

^^^what Chip said!! Preciate ya Dave!!

 

[GLH]

It’s definitely the end of the road. It would be nice to have a gala for us all to reflect and reminisce.

 

[soroush]

Still remember the welcome email like it was yesterday. Time sure does fly. And totally agree with Chip, thank you Dave.

 

[Ed Sims]

It’s definitely the end if the road. It would be nice to have a gala for us all to reflect and reminisce.

Maybe Dr Frank will let us have the gala at his place!

Ed

 

[07XL0027]

To echo DBK's comments, it really did feel different than when we were last there, 5 years ago almost to the day (one day off

At this point Terry is basically an employee. Any special reason you and Kelly were there?

 

[roketman]

Epic is all I can say!!
Thanks DBK FOR EVERYTHING

 

[Special K]

Definitely a high time in my life, probably the highest with family factored in. Awesome friends and memories were made! I definitely owe a huge debt of gratitude for all those associated with this exciting adventure.

 

[AJB]

I was Fortunate enough to have been involved with the Ford GT pre-rally one (1) in Dearborn in 2003 , had the ability to drive 2005 prototypes and then purchase 2006 midnight blue GT in January 2006.
Watched it being built at Saleen in Troy and finalized at Wixom a few weeks later.
I Met some now “close friends” at Rally 1 from as far away as California and Arizona!

‘Fast forward’ past many rallies in many states thru the the 2006-2015 years to 2016. I was convinced we would never do another FordGT….till Raj ……..!

Then it happened… Applied, went to Multimatic , took delivery of 2017 Liquid Blue. Lived thru the dream again!
Same guys, old friends, new friends, some races, some rallies.

Still own them both.
Quite a ride so far !
Thanks to all

Andy(ajb)

 

[roketman]

Only 8 tours left!

 

[MarkH]

Not much else can be said. The entire experience was something none of us will forget and can't say enough thanks to the folks at Multimatic and Dave for all the help and guidance they provided. Just glad to say I had a chance to be a part of soemthing special.

Thanks everyone!!!!