It really hits you as you watch the 80th Ford GT pull into Ford World Headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan. If the thought of Ford producing a Ferrari-beating exotic sports car seemed extraordinary back in 2002, the fervor caused by the Ford GT once it hit showrooms and enthusiast publications in the fall of 2004 has proven unprecedented. Now, standing under the largest Blue Oval on the planet while basking in the guttural roar of more than 80 GTs screaming around Ford's glass tower, the full weight of what Ford has created becomes apparent.
The occasion was the Inaugural Ford GT Owners' Rally, held in Detroit. More than 100 GT owners made the trek to Motor City from across the country — and across the globe. Beyond U.S. attendees (representing 30 states), GT title holders traveled from Canada, Great Britain, Spain and New Zealand to celebrate Ford's midengine wonder. No doubt many of these globetrotters felt duty-bound to attend after seeing the rally itinerary, which included a plant tour, a Woodward Dream Cruise and a party at the GT designer's studio.
The primary force behind this event was certified GT disciple Dave Bannister. Dave started the Ford GT Forum in August of 2005, and he's watched the site's membership and activity grow exponentially over the past year. Once enthusiasm for the GT Owners' Rally hit critical mass, Ford chipped in with event coordination to give rally participants some once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.
A tour of both the Saleen Special Vehicles (SSV) and Wixom assembly plants provided owners with a firsthand look at how their Ford GTs came together. (The event took place just a few weeks before production of the GT ended.) According to Dave, "We had tossed the idea around for awhile, and once we got everyone on board with it, it just took on a life of its own. Everyone at Ford division, SVT and SSV was just awesome to work with, and in the end it wound up being more than I could have ever hoped for."
Ford arranged a dinner with the entire GT team, as well as the aforementioned photo shoot in front of Ford World Headquarters. And as promised, Camilo Pardo, the man behind the GT's shape, sacrificed his studio in downtown Detroit to host a Saturday night party.
Between the official Ford-related events, GT drivers took time out to cruise Woodward Avenue. It was the weekend before the official Woodward Dream Cruise — meaning you could still actually cruise Woodward while enjoying the sights and sounds of classic American iron strolling the boulevard. And if you think a ZL-1 Camaro causes a stir in that environment, imagine a couple dozen GTs mixed in with the muscle cars and street rods.
As a celebration of all things GT, including a salute to the team responsible for its creation and a farewell to the car's production status, the Inaugural GT Owners' Rally signaled both the end — and the beginning — of something special. Plans are already underway for next year's rally.
The occasion was the Inaugural Ford GT Owners' Rally, held in Detroit. More than 100 GT owners made the trek to Motor City from across the country — and across the globe. Beyond U.S. attendees (representing 30 states), GT title holders traveled from Canada, Great Britain, Spain and New Zealand to celebrate Ford's midengine wonder. No doubt many of these globetrotters felt duty-bound to attend after seeing the rally itinerary, which included a plant tour, a Woodward Dream Cruise and a party at the GT designer's studio.
The primary force behind this event was certified GT disciple Dave Bannister. Dave started the Ford GT Forum in August of 2005, and he's watched the site's membership and activity grow exponentially over the past year. Once enthusiasm for the GT Owners' Rally hit critical mass, Ford chipped in with event coordination to give rally participants some once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.
A tour of both the Saleen Special Vehicles (SSV) and Wixom assembly plants provided owners with a firsthand look at how their Ford GTs came together. (The event took place just a few weeks before production of the GT ended.) According to Dave, "We had tossed the idea around for awhile, and once we got everyone on board with it, it just took on a life of its own. Everyone at Ford division, SVT and SSV was just awesome to work with, and in the end it wound up being more than I could have ever hoped for."
Ford arranged a dinner with the entire GT team, as well as the aforementioned photo shoot in front of Ford World Headquarters. And as promised, Camilo Pardo, the man behind the GT's shape, sacrificed his studio in downtown Detroit to host a Saturday night party.
Between the official Ford-related events, GT drivers took time out to cruise Woodward Avenue. It was the weekend before the official Woodward Dream Cruise — meaning you could still actually cruise Woodward while enjoying the sights and sounds of classic American iron strolling the boulevard. And if you think a ZL-1 Camaro causes a stir in that environment, imagine a couple dozen GTs mixed in with the muscle cars and street rods.
As a celebration of all things GT, including a salute to the team responsible for its creation and a farewell to the car's production status, the Inaugural GT Owners' Rally signaled both the end — and the beginning — of something special. Plans are already underway for next year's rally.
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