Ford GT, American exotic, ends its run

I have had mixed feelings about this car from the begining, however I am somewhat sad that the production is ending. Some aspects of it's detail seem a bit crude compared with a current Ferrari and it is a pastiche of a true icon, and yet it's performance is truly hard to argue with. In the end I am glad they built it and the limited number will insure that many are well cared for by their owners. Well done Ford. - George

 

I don't think this is the real reason. They could have done a 5 year run, and if it was truly a profitable car, they would still be building it. I'm gussing that the car is not selling as well as predicted and they are cutting there losses now. 1300 cars have been profitable? How can this be when you consider just the tooling costs and development of the car must have cost well into the millions. Just doesn't sound right to me. Ford can't afford to cut a profitable car out of their line up no matter what it costs.

 

Probably more linked to the fact that 30,000 workers will be laid off. It would be hard to continue the image created by Henry Ford as the "working mans" car when you're selling a $150,000 car and laying off 30,000 workers.

 

I'm keeping my rose colored glasses on!

 

It's very doubtful the Ford GT was profitable. It was never meant to be. It was a halo car, and one that has always been destined for a short run.

 

When this car first came out they said it was only going to be produced through 2006 due to a new safety rule being implemented this year that the GT doesn't comply with. I can't remember which rule it was, crash test or something but they said this from the beginning. That is why they have been looking at changing the car somewhat into the Shelby Daytona Coupe. By using most of the car but change the layout to comply with this new regulation it would basically be the same car but be able to be produced after 2006. This is what I remember anyway.

 

i think the rule is about bumper impact standards, but don't quote me on that.

yeah, i don't think this is new news at all. it was never going to be produced past the end of this safety rule deadline, which i thought was september or december of 2006.

doody.

 

Correct.

 

I was just doing a search and they say that 1/1/07 new design and bumper standards will be regulating auto designs. All this is for pedestrians that are hit by cars. Why do we have to start driving cars that are more pedestian impact friendly when we are not supposed to hit pedestians in the first place?

 

So much for their values to depreciate that much.

I wonder up someone like Shelby will buy the tooling and continue to make them though modified for the new regs.

 

This could have a huge effect on all of the cars we love no?

 

Just in time for a fuel crisis; manufactures have to design cars with the front end shaped like a barn door.

 

Since these cars really cost $180-200K, someone is making a profit.

 

Too Bad they are not making more... the more they make the cheaper they will be in 3 - 5 years ....that way I could buy one... now they will always be and expensive car.

 

Probaby the same reason we drive safer-in-impact cars now then in earlier times (when we are not supposed to hit things or other with our car in the first place)

 

Unfortunately yes.


Oh well, my heart melts more for the chrome bumpers of the past than the current molded plastic ones anyway.

 

The silver lining is that a lot fewer will be really trashed, and a lot more will be kept very well preserved. George

 

That's Standard Operating Procedure for liberalism. Don't blame the real cause, just pass some touchy feel good legislation. That's why they never blame the gang banger who shoots somebody. They blame the gun manufacturer.

 

Ford outsourced the GT to Saleen. If they did the deal right it could very well have ended up being profitable.

 

I completely agree. I think we should add pontoons on the bottom in case of a water landing.

 

what was the original run supposed to be??

 

I guess I will be holding on to the GT for a while. Both of these cars are a blast to drive. What a contrast! Night & Day.....and both are just as much fun to drive in there own strange way. The GT is a little bigger but both are the exact same height.
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Think the rule was about making cars that turn a profit. Its new for 2006.

 

Don't forget the parachute on the rear bumper, just in case you fly off a cliff after spilling hot McDonalds coffee in your lap.