Watching three different generations of the revered Ford GT compete against each other in a 1/4-mile drag race is like witnessing automotive poetry in motion. It's too bad someone runs into problems near the end.
Mat Watson from "carwow" went on a trip to the United States recently for the Tesla Cybertruck official launch bonanza party. He raced the 845-horsepower Cyberbeast against other monsters like the Hummer EV or Ford F-150 Raptor R, but no one could hold a candle to the Tesla's 2.6 second 0-60 mph acceleration.
More relevant to our story, Mat also did a few races "on the side," among which was making a Ford GT Mk. III compete against a Chevrolet Corvette Z06. It was nothing short of superb, ending in a worthy photo finish, with the Ford going home with the gold that day.
Today, that same Ford GT Mk. III is racing its own "bloodline," the Ford GT40 from 1967 and the second-generation GT from 2006 designed by Camilo Pardo.
The Ford GT Mark III from 1967 is one gorgeous piece of machinery. It packs a 4.7-liter naturally aspirated V8 that can deliver 306 hp or 310 ps and 332 lb-ft (450 Nm) of torque. It's rear-wheel drive with a 5-speed manual transmission system and weighs 2,712 lbs. or 1,230 kg.
When it came out, it cost $18,500, which now would mean $175,413 if we adjust it to inflation. However, the real value goes way above that, rated at $2,500,000.
Next, the 2006 Ford GT has a 5.4-liter supercharged V8 that can output 552 hp (560 ps) with 501 lb-ft or 680 Nm. It's RWD as well, has a 6-speed manual gearbox, and weighs 3,351 lbs. or 1,520 kg. In 2006, it cost around $140,000, but now it's worth over $636,250.
Photo: carwow
Finally, we're getting back to the third-gen special edition Ford GT from 2017. This one has a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 that can produce 650 hp (659 ps) with 553 lb-ft (750 Nm) of torque and weighs 3,053 lbs. or 1,385 kg. Of course, it's RWD as well and has a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission system.
This model is so rare it's almost unique. It's a 1-of-3 signature Ford GT third-generation series. It's also signed by three automotive legends: Peter Brock, the designer of the Daytona Coupe, followed by Bob Bondurant and Mario Andretti, both legendary Ford GT drivers from the 1960s.
Brand new, this Mk. III would cost close to $560,000, but its owner, Camilo Pardo, won't even dream of negotiating anywhere under $1.5 million.
Finally, after the customary sound check, it was time for action. Obviously, they all finished how you would expect, given the power and technological differences.
The 2017 model won by a mile, as they say, and crossed the 1/4-mile line in 11.0 seconds. The 2006 GT did it in 12.0 seconds, while the good ol' grandpa '67 Ford GT40 completed the race in 13.9 seconds.
Then, they went for a 1/2-mile rolling race in second gear from 40 mph or 64 kph. Things didn't change at all, and they all finished in the same positions as before.
Finally, there was supposed to be a brake test from 70 mph (113 kph). But the 1967 model had some bad luck and got a flat tire. Thus, the other two were obligated to compete nonetheless. And yes, obviously, the latest-gen won by a landslide, emerging victorious in every category from today's all-Ford GT race.
Codrin just loves American classics, from the 1940s and ‘50s, all the way to the muscle cars of the '60s and '70s. In his perfect world, we'll still see Hudsons and Road Runners roaming the streets for years to come (even in EV form, if that's what it takes to keep the aesthetic alive). Full profile
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