Ford GT - talk me out of this one…

[wingnutt]

Hey guys - appreciate all of the feedback and advice...this community is awesome and folks added some really good food for thought. After spending a week deliberating, driving, and drinking in the stable (haha)...I decided to pass on this, for now, for several reasons.

good job sir, for all the reasons you mention

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[RJ787]

Fun Fact:

There were more '05-'06 Ford GT's manufactured (4,038 units) vs '15-'20 GT350R's (3,647 units).

Also, more '06 Heritage GT's (343 units) vs '20 Heritage GT350R's (281 units)

 

[MAGS1]

Hey guys - appreciate all of the feedback and advice...this community is awesome and folks added some really good food for thought. After spending a week deliberating, driving, and drinking in the stable (haha)...I decided to pass on this, for now, for several reasons.

Primarily, my belief that there is likely a diminishing return on investment with cars after a certain point. Cars like the 350R are absolutely incredible...and while the Ford GT is a unique animal, is it going to really give me 3x the joy as my 350R, not even considering my R8? Is it even going to give me 2x the joy? Likely not... Is it a better investment over time? Likely yes...but I don't view cars as investments, so that's not my real consideration here...

Also, after spending more time in the car I was looking at, I realized, while gorgeous, it's still a Ford...lacking high-end German or Italian attributes that give it that high end "feel". Doesn't matter at $200K, but it does at $450K, that's for sure.

Also, simply put, I can't see myself enjoying the car as much around town as my 350R or R8...and that's kind of important haha. Automotive art, 100%...but the cabin wasn't really a place I found myself wanting to be in for long periods of time, and that's definitely an issue.

There's also that mileage anxiety point raised above...every 1K miles you put on that car really count for value, and while I wasn't too worried about that, it still makes you think about road trips with a slightly different "cost analysis" vs my other cars where I just get in, and go.

At days end, it really came down to fun/joy, like so many other things there is just a diminishing return on it after a certain point...a 35' boat can cost 2-3x a 25' boat, but I bet you I can have ~95% of the fun on the 25'. I think the 350R (or R8) are really at the pinnacle of driving engagement and joy...I struggle to think that the GT will bring me much more happiness, so I cannot justify the spend (or letting the 350R go).

Either way, was happy (and blessed) to have had the opportunity to consider this...and like many things in life, you learn a lot about how much you truly love something when you think about letting it go...so the 350R will be getting a really nice, long detail today as an apology for almost saying goodbye...she deserves it

-Chris

At the end of day, you have to make what you feel is the right decision for you. The R and R8 are both awesome cars, so there really wasn’t a “wrong” decision there.

Enjoy (or should I say continue to enjoy) your R & R8!

 

[MAGS1]

Fun Fact:

There were more '05-'06 Ford GT's manufactured (4,038 units) vs '15-'20 GT350R's (3,647 units).

Also, more '06 Heritage GT's (343 units) vs '20 Heritage GT350R's (281 units)

That’s cool. I knew there were more GT’s produced than R’s, did not know the Heritage GT’s eclipsed the Heritage R’s.

 

[dasrider]

Hey guys - appreciate all of the feedback and advice...this community is awesome and folks added some really good food for thought. After spending a week deliberating, driving, and drinking in the stable (haha)...I decided to pass on this, for now, for several reasons.

Primarily, my belief that there is likely a diminishing return on investment with cars after a certain point. Cars like the 350R are absolutely incredible...and while the Ford GT is a unique animal, is it going to really give me 3x the joy as my 350R, not even considering my R8? Is it even going to give me 2x the joy? Likely not... Is it a better investment over time? Likely yes...but I don't view cars as investments, so that's not my real consideration here...

Also, after spending more time in the car I was looking at, I realized, while gorgeous, it's still a Ford...lacking high-end German or Italian attributes that give it that high end "feel". Doesn't matter at $200K, but it does at $450K, that's for sure.

Also, simply put, I can't see myself enjoying the car as much around town as my 350R or R8...and that's kind of important haha. Automotive art, 100%...but the cabin wasn't really a place I found myself wanting to be in for long periods of time, and that's definitely an issue.

There's also that mileage anxiety point raised above...every 1K miles you put on that car really count for value, and while I wasn't too worried about that, it still makes you think about road trips with a slightly different "cost analysis" vs my other cars where I just get in, and go.

At days end, it really came down to fun/joy, like so many other things there is just a diminishing return on it after a certain point...a 35' boat can cost 2-3x a 25' boat, but I bet you I can have ~95% of the fun on the 25'. I think the 350R (or R8) are really at the pinnacle of driving engagement and joy...I struggle to think that the GT will bring me much more happiness, so I cannot justify the spend (or letting the 350R go).

Either way, was happy (and blessed) to have had the opportunity to consider this...and like many things in life, you learn a lot about how much you truly love something when you think about letting it go...so the 350R will be getting a really nice, long detail today as an apology for almost saying goodbye...she deserves it

-Chris

Sounds like the right decision then. Something about having a highly valuable vehicle, but not being able to drive it when and how you want, seems to detract from its value. Garage art is fine for collectors, but these things were built to be driven - what's the point if you feel even a bit of guilt driving it?

I'm heavily into motorcycles and am going through a bit of an Italian phase right now. Of all the bikes my Aprilia RSVR Factory with a KWS bore kit and tune is by far the most valuable (nowhere near GT or 350R levels, but similar relative rarity). When I have the time, I reach for its keys more than anything else. By motorcycling and sportbike standards it's "high-mileage" at 40,000 - but I really don't care. Riding it scratches that itch and gives me that motorized therapy when I'm done. Win-win situation. I suspect your 350R and R8 are similar to you in nature.

 

[dps]

Hey guys - unexpected opportunity presented itself to scoop up a 2006 Ford GT in my perfect spec (white/blue stripes, wheel option, audio upgrade, painted calipers) with low miles and good history. This car is a legit hero car to me…an American icon that I personally feel will go down as one of the greatest cars of all time. Only issue is, to justify the purchase I’d have to sell my 350R (‘20 HEP) and R8 (2012 Gen 1 “gated manual” V10 in Ibis White).

The 350R is my pride and joy and the R8 is a buttery smooth / refined supercar with an Italian heart (Lambo v10) wrapped in German engineering…but the Ford GT is a living legend, and I oddly think it combines the best of both (it’s like a super muscle car, kinda!).

I know many here have driven a Ford GT, and some own one…to the guys with experience, would you sell two for one here, or stand down and keep the variety in the stable? Use case is weekend spirited drives - no track time…prob ~1k miles a year, give or take a bit.

I’m torn…part of me is saying just go for it, while the other is questioning whether I’ll be OK driving around in something that crazy, and could regret letting either of these go…

Thoughts? Anyone want to talk me out of this? Or maybe just talk me into it?!?!

I know I’ll likely be happy either way - just the kind of car that will increasingly become unobtainable and I feel if I don’t take a swing now, I may not ever….let me know what you think, thanks everyone!

-Chris

You have 2 amazing cars. The R8 was on my list as well. You've driven them both and know what they are like. Why not take the plunge and experience GT ownership for the same reason. A good investment either way in case in the off chance you want to go back someday!

 

[NPTR]

You have 2 amazing cars. The R8 was on my list as well. You've driven them both and know what they are like. Why not take the plunge and experience GT ownership for the same reason. A good investment either way in case in the off chance you want to go back someday!

Good point, and I'm sure change will happen at some point...I sold every "forever car" I ever owned for new experiences eventually...I say this time is different, but we know that's not the case, and time /storage space always a limiting factor. For now, passing for the reasons above, plus the friction / transaction costs of the sale mean this would really need to perfect in every sense...and the more I thought about it, the more I just realized it wasn't...and a lot of good feedback on here to help me along the way.

One thing I did remind myself along the way...a Terminator Cobra needs to be in the stable at some point...a little super charger whine on that 4.6L is exactly what the doctor ordered!

 

[ice445]

I dont blame you for passing, its a big investment and you'd probably have less fun overall due to mileage anxiety. If I were in your shoes I think id struggle to give up the R8 (manual v10 is sex), let alone the 350R as well. Pretty great duo. Keep enjoying them for a long time

 

[kellyreno]

Hey guys - unexpected opportunity presented itself to scoop up a 2006 Ford GT in my perfect spec (white/blue stripes, wheel option, audio upgrade, painted calipers) with low miles and good history. This car is a legit hero car to me…an American icon that I personally feel will go down as one of the greatest cars of all time. Only issue is, to justify the purchase I’d have to sell my 350R (‘20 HEP) and R8 (2012 Gen 1 “gated manual” V10 in Ibis White).

The 350R is my pride and joy and the R8 is a buttery smooth / refined supercar with an Italian heart (Lambo v10) wrapped in German engineering…but the Ford GT is a living legend, and I oddly think it combines the best of both (it’s like a super muscle car, kinda!).

I know many here have driven a Ford GT, and some own one…to the guys with experience, would you sell two for one here, or stand down and keep the variety in the stable? Use case is weekend spirited drives - no track time…prob ~1k miles a year, give or take a bit.

I’m torn…part of me is saying just go for it, while the other is questioning whether I’ll be OK driving around in something that crazy, and could regret letting either of these go…

Thoughts? Anyone want to talk me out of this? Or maybe just talk me into it?!?!

I know I’ll likely be happy either way - just the kind of car that will increasingly become unobtainable and I feel if I don’t take a swing now, I may not ever….let me know what you think, thanks everyone!

-Chris

Just do it. What a waste of time. Can not wait for your next post. help me. cummon

 

[Tony Alonso]

Primarily, my belief that there is likely a diminishing return on investment with cars after a certain point. Cars like the 350R are absolutely incredible...and while the Ford GT is a unique animal, is it going to really give me 3x the joy as my 350R, not even considering my R8? Is it even going to give me 2x the joy? Likely not... Is it a better investment over time? Likely yes...but I don't view cars as investments, so that's not my real consideration here...

At days end, it really came down to fun/joy, like so many other things there is just a diminishing return on it after a certain point...a 35' boat can cost 2-3x a 25' boat, but I bet you I can have ~95% of the fun on the 25'. I think the 350R (or R8) are really at the pinnacle of driving engagement and joy...I struggle to think that the GT will bring me much more happiness, so I cannot justify the spend (or letting the 350R go).

You are in a high place of car enlightenment when you can do this kind of analysis!

In my mind, I have a 100 car collection. In reality, even if I had the money, would I get all the driving fun with 100 cars as opposed to having 2 really often driven ones. For me, probably not, although it would be fun to compare - haha!

Everyone's different, but I would have come to the same conclusion with the cars in your decision set.

Enjoy every moment!

PS - Your 2020 GT350R HEP is one of my dream cars.

 

[Sc00ter]

Hey guys - unexpected opportunity presented itself to scoop up a 2006 Ford GT in my perfect spec (white/blue stripes, wheel option, audio upgrade, painted calipers) with low miles and good history. This car is a legit hero car to me…an American icon that I personally feel will go down as one of the greatest cars of all time. Only issue is, to justify the purchase I’d have to sell my 350R (‘20 HEP) and R8 (2012 Gen 1 “gated manual” V10 in Ibis White).

The 350R is my pride and joy and the R8 is a buttery smooth / refined supercar with an Italian heart (Lambo v10) wrapped in German engineering…but the Ford GT is a living legend, and I oddly think it combines the best of both (it’s like a super muscle car, kinda!).

I know many here have driven a Ford GT, and some own one…to the guys with experience, would you sell two for one here, or stand down and keep the variety in the stable? Use case is weekend spirited drives - no track time…prob ~1k miles a year, give or take a bit.

I’m torn…part of me is saying just go for it, while the other is questioning whether I’ll be OK driving around in something that crazy, and could regret letting either of these go…

Thoughts? Anyone want to talk me out of this? Or maybe just talk me into it?!?!

I know I’ll likely be happy either way - just the kind of car that will increasingly become unobtainable and I feel if I don’t take a swing now, I may not ever….let me know what you think, thanks everyone!

-Chris

I’m on team “Talk you into it.” Your other two cars are okay, but a Ford GT built with the same spirit as the 1960s original (light car, big V8) will always be more desirable and more valuable. Follow your heart.

 

[sk47]

Hello; I found this thread of interest as it described my situation with buying a fun car. I'll be it at a much lower cost level. I have two mundane, but reliable vehicles so do not need a third. However, I do fancy a third bucket list sort of car.
I have some tell me go for it because you only live once in various ways. While it is disappointing to know I cannot live forever, I know such is true. To a degree I am in the same boat as the OP. I can afford the cars I am interested in. I will not have to sell anything is a difference.
I first had a base Porsche Cayman as my focus. After an area dealer played dealer games on the last 2016 manual with the flat six, I had to give up on that model. Just cannot abide a turbo four.
For the same reason BMW no longer offers the straight six. Also hard to find a manual in a Bimmer.
When I did some checking I found the Mustang GT to be at the top of my list. A base GT with a manual trans checks most of my boxes. Can have a spare. Can run on 97 octane fuel. Looks very good. Is a bit large overall is perhaps my biggest critique. I had written off a 2024 Gt because I thought the V8's had a cylinder deactivation like the F-150 v8's do. Found out last year around August /September the Mustang Coyote is free of cylinder deactivation. So I resumed looking.

To the crux of this post, more or less. I found two 2024 GT's with a manual. Made an offer on one then the other. Dealers wanted more and the dealers were correct in the sense of selling them to someone else for more. Should i have paid more than I was comfortable with? I could have. I had enough extra funds to do so. Guess my point is I decided my comfort level was reasonable and spending more would in a way "spoil" having the car. Hope that makes sense.

The OP can go on with a pleasant life without spending $450k on a car he does not actually need. Having been married twice I can attest to the difference between wanting and having. I get the big eye for things sometime. Best to not get into a rush to have. Sometimes letting things cool off a bit works out just fine. Glad you worked it out OP.

 

[Nfs1000f]

Fun Fact:

There were more '05-'06 Ford GT's manufactured (4,038 units) vs '15-'20 GT350R's (3,647 units).

Also, more '06 Heritage GT's (343 units) vs '20 Heritage GT350R's (281 units)

I would argue that your comparison is not apples to apples. The GT was not an option, but a standalone car. The GT350R is essentially a Mustang. An option in a model line that has been in continuous production for 60 years numbering in the millions.

 

[19GT350R]

I get that you’ve made up your mind, but I’m on Team GT. Because…life is short. The R8 is special. The GT350R is special. But individually, not as special. Combined, maybe not even as special. I thought I’d miss the R after selling it to make room for a GT3RS because of the V8 and manual, but I never did. The RS is all drama and shares the classic 911 shape but bigger and with wider hips. Although not the price of a GT, it is still special to me and suspect the GT would be every bit for you. So the interior bits are shared with other platforms…I get it, but the trade off I would say is worth it. After living with a Euro interior, it’s hard to get into any Mustang. It’s all relative in that regard. Buy it, drive it, park far away, and learn who your local PDR guy is in the case you get a bump from a careless/jealous ******* like someone unnamed above, and be happy. And if it doesn’t live up to your expectations, sell it and break even, and buy you another R and R8.

 

[Headless Horseman]

310 MPH FORD GT

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