Oddball Ford GT First Prototype For Sale: Big Money!

by Gabrielle DeSantis

This is the first running and driving prototype for the 2005-2006 Ford GT. It is serial number 00004, and is known as “Confirmation Prototype 1.” This oddball carries lots of bits and components that do not appear on the production Ford GT. That makes it an even more compelling car.

This Ford GT prototype is an oddball but in a good way

First running Ford GT prototype | BAT

Now, this oddball is for sale on Bring a Trailer. mean “oddball” in the most positive of references. Some of those features not found on product GTs include a carbon fiber clamshell and the exhaust which pokes through a housing in the exposed rear bumper for easier emissions testing. Also, inside there is an aluminum headliner, and those wheels are nothing like we have seen before.

Many of the team members have signed the GT, and that includes Carroll Shelby. Interestingly, this GT has a chip in the ECU that limits top speeds to only five miles per hour. That makes sense as this prototype was used for road and emissions certification testing. But the current owner makes it clear that you can remove it for normal driving enjoyment.

Many non-production pieces can be found on this Ford GT

First running Ford GT prototype dash — First running Ford GT prototype | BAT

More oddball components lurking around this historically significant GT are a Mustang airbag, and a Windstar minivan steering column. The 5.4-liter V8 has non-production black valve covers with InTech logos on the left valve cover. There is also an engine hour meter mounted on the dash.

In its original prototype condition, that doesn’t mean pristine. As a working prototype, it carries test connections and inputs for monitoring equipment. There is also plenty of road rash as well as chips and scuff marks from engineers getting in and out of the car.

This GT was the fourth prototype but the first one to run and drive

First running Ford GT prototype tight shot — First running Ford GT prototype | BAT

Originally, Ford made three non-running concept prototypes. One was painted red, one white, and one in blue, but none of them had drivetrains. CP-1 was the first to run and be drivable.

The carbon fiber clamshell was intended to be a production item. But when the bean-counters found that it would cost Ford $45,000 each they quickly shifted gears to make them in aluminum. Other interesting differences are the black supercharger and valve covers.

Only two owners of the GT coupe came after Ford

First running Ford GT prototype exhaust for testing — First running Ford GT prototype | BAT

After its useful days at Ford, it was sold to GT specialist GT Joey Limongelli. He is the author of the GT bible; Ford GT, The Complete Owners Experience. GT Joey sold it to the current owner and it remains in the condition he purchased it in.

Being sold with “Bill of Sale Only” it is questionable whether this can legally be driven on public roads. With only 1,200 miles on the ticker that would bear out that this can’t be driven around. But with all of its documentation and historical significance, that may not matter to the highest bidder.