Ford UK’s PR operation is claiming that the number of European customers expressing interest in buying the Ford GT is 20 times greater than the number of cars originally allocated so the quantity has been boosted to 101 from the 80 proposed originally.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
This number is said to be the same as the original quantity of 101 Ford GTs produced by Ford in Europe.
“Potential customers have been eager to register their interest although European prices have yet to be announced. In the US, a price of under $US150,000 has been indicated, but there will be a premium in Europe to cover additional shipment and homologation costs. Deliveries in Europe are expected during the fourth quarter of 2004,” Ford said in a statement.
Potential European GT customers have been able to register their interest via a website and, so far, there are 1,900 website registrations while a further 250 potential customers have approached Ford direct.
Registrations closed on November 21 and potential customers will now receive an application form as the next step towards their hoped-for purchase, Ford said.
The “lucky few” will be selected according to a set of criteria intended to match the “most deserving and appropriate buyers” of the “iconic car”.
The president and COO of Ford of Europe, Lewis Booth, and his most senior executives will approve the final selection, Ford added.
Earlier this year, one of the three non-saleable GT production prototypes, made for Ford’s 100th anniversary, was brought to the UK to take part in the 10th annual Goodwood Festival of Speed.
The first GT offered for public sale in the US, car number 10, was auctioned by Christies at the 2003 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on August 17. The successful bid of $557,500 exceeded expectations, with the proceeds going to charity.
Ford will certify that this is the first Ford GT sold, and the car will be produced to the successful bidder’s specification, including colour and options, for delivery through an authorised dealership after production begins in spring 2004.
