Ford will build GT40 ‘supercar’
Return of an icon from the ’60s
By Michael Binstock
Acorn Automotive Editor

Last week, Ford Motor Company Chairman and CEO Bill Ford delivered the news that car enthusiasts around the world have been waiting for.

Ford will build the GT40 to help celebrate the automaker’s 100th anniversary in 2003.

Ford made the announcement to employees at the company’s world headquarters. The event also marked the unveiling of the Ford brand’s new "No Boundaries" ad campaign.

GT40, the modern version of the historic, two-seat supercar, should help breathe new excitement into the Ford brand and support Ford Motor Company’s promise of 20 new or freshened products each year.

"Our revitalization plan is centered on products," said Ford. "The company that builds and delivers the best cars and trucks wins, and we’re going to win. I can’t think of a better symbol of that winning attitude than GT40."

The production announcement came on the heels of the 2002 North American International Auto Show debut of the GT40 concept car in Detroit less than two months ago.

The award-winning concept was inspired by arguably one of the most recognized and loved cars in automotive history.

In the mid-1960s, the low-slung, mid-engine GT40 was introduced to battle the world’s best in endurance racing.

Just over 100 of these historic cars were built, placing Ford in prestigious winner’s circles worldwide, most notably, winning the Le Mans 24-hour race in 1966, 1967, 1968 and 1969.

The new GT40, created by Ford’s "Living Legends" studio, is more than 18 inches longer and stands nearly four inches taller than the original. Yet, despite being physically larger, it’s unmistakably a GT40, an automotive statement of passion, speed and performance.

GT40 joins Thunderbird, Mustang and the Forty-Nine concept as part of Ford’s "Living Legends" lineup.

Production capacity, vehicle specifications, performance numbers, pricing and the final name of the production vehicle will be revealed at a later date but I’m informed that the supercar will be priced in "six figures."

Ford’s new advertising campaign, titled "No Boundaries," celebrates the spirit and vision of one of the world’s most recognized brands by combining new film footage with historical Ford material. Narrated by Bill Ford, great-grandson of the company’s founder, the commercials have the distinct look and feel of a short documentary film.

"Ford products have been playing a role in consumers’ lives for nearly 100 years, connecting with them in very emotional ways," said Jim O’Connor, Ford Division president.

"The No Boundaries campaign celebrates the people and products of Ford––great people building great automotive products. That’s what Ford is all about."

More than 80 Ford employees participated in the production of the campaign, many from the Ford Rouge Center and Michigan Truck Plant. In addition, a small number of Ford dealers and professional actors are featured. While the commercials don’t focus specifically on any single Ford product, they will, as a collection, work to raise the image and awareness of the Ford brand and its entire product lineup.

"These new Ford ads are designed to crystallize who we are and what we do," said O’Connor.

The campaign, initially featuring four 60-second TV commercials–Family, Legacy, Discovery and Built Ford Tough– debuted this week during prime time on network television and will be followed by print advertising in the coming months.

Don’t expect to see the GT40 at your local Ford dealer, but you can bet that it will be heavily featured in the media.

The original Ford GT40 was built in England and actually raced as a British car. In the 60s, to compete at Le Mans, Ford was obligated to build a road-going version of the racing car. A small number of vehicles were sold to enthusiasts at a price in 1964 of less than $2,500 and could be seen driving on the streets of London. Perhaps one or two of these cars are still in exsistence.

I imagine the selling price is now well in excess of the original. A 1966 GT40 sold in Scottsdale last month at the Barrett Jackson auction for $405,000!