March 29, 2017
Posted By : Barrett-Jackson
Written By : independent automotive journalist Scott Black

The Ford GTX1: The Supercar That Could Have Been

The Ford GTX1: The Supercar That Could Have Been

March 29, 2017
Posted by Barrett-Jackson

Written by independent automotive journalist Scott Black

This rare 2006 Ford GTX1 (Lot #706) will be crossing the block at the 15th Annual Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Auction.

This rare 2006 Ford GTX1 (Lot #706) will be crossing the block at the 15th Annual Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Auction.

History is filled with one-off cars, concepts and dream vehicles that never made production. Ownership of one of these rarities is among the Holy Grail for many. In Palm Beach, someone will be able to fulfill that dream. But first, a little background.

Lot 706 - 2006 Ford GTX1_front34A Rarity Among The Rare

An incredible performance vehicle renaissance occurred in the middle of the last decade. Many consider the 2005-2006 Ford GT to be a symbol of this rebirth, with only around 4,000 total built during its two-year production. Created to celebrate the company’s centennial, the purpose of the 200+ mph coupes was to demonstrate the Blue Oval’s engineering prowess.

One of the most striking versions of the mid-engined wonder was the factory-authorized GTX1. This version of the Ford GT was designed by Kip Ewing at Ford in an effort to extend production of the car. Ewing was able to sell the project to Ford management as a one-off coach-built vehicle for the 2005 SEMA show.

He sent the plans and an early preproduction car to Mark Gerish of Genaddi Design Group in Wisconsin. Gerish’s shop was similar to ASC in the 1980s, as he essentially picked up where the automaker stops.

Lot 706 - 2006 Ford GTX1_engineEwing flew to Gerish’s shop every weekend to supervise the development of the car. They crafted an all-new design with Porsche Carrera GT-type headrest fairings and a see-through glass cover to let people ogle the engine.

Dubbed the GTX1, it was a hit, scoring covers and magazine features worldwide.

“Ewing claimed in media interviews that Ford would have built the GTX1 if they’d allocated a budget for a production version, but the GT was being discontinued,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “When Ford didn’t adopt his design and business case, Ewing found a unique way for the GTX1 to live on.”

A Dream Reborn

Lot 706 - 2006 Ford GTX1_interiorEwing secured an agreement with Ford Motor Company to allow Genaddi Design Group to build a limited production of the GTX1. Owners were given the option to send their Ford GT to Genaddi Design Group’s facilities for conversion into a roadster.

The initial plan was for 500 GTX1s to be built upon a customer’s request, plus an additional 100 special-edition cars similar to the concept that appeared at the 2005 SEMA show. However, only about 100 total GTX1s were completed during the two-year limited production run. That makes each of these supercars very exclusive.

Opportunity Knocks

This year, one of these exceptional GTX1s is going across the auction block. Lot #706 is a stunning blue 2006 model-year car with only about 14,970 actual miles on the odometer. It is a pristine example of a rare breed that offers an opportunity to enjoy top-down driving in the Florida sunshine.

“The handful of GTX1s actually built offer a fascinating glimpse into what this dream car would have looked like had Ford put it into full production,” added Jackson. “That only adds to the history and potential collectibility of these rare American supercars.”

For up-to-date information on this vehicle, click HERE.

Lot 706 - 2006 Ford GTX1_rear34

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