Ford's 'Supercar' Arrives in Canada
By Matt Drennan-Scace
TORONTO, April 5, 2005 (FCN) -- One of the world's most sought-after supercars, the Ford GT, is available in Canada for the first time. The first coast-to-coast shipments of the limited edition, 550-horsepower dream cars began last month.
The first of 200 Ford GT's bound for Canada in 2006 was delivered to WhiteOak Ford Lincoln in Mississauga, Ontario. Owner Alex Jordan was on hand for the delivery and sat behind the wheel of his new purchase for the first time.
"I've been in love with this car ever since my dad started telling me stories of watching his friends drive them for Comstock Racing," said Jordan. "It's like bringing a piece of history home with us."
Jordan's Ford GT is painted in the timeless blue-and-orange livery, one of the most memorable paint schemes to ever adorn a race car. This colour package pays tribute to the JW Automotive American Gulf Oil Ford GT P/1075, one of only a few cars to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans twice.
In fact, the spiritual namesake of today's Ford GT, the GT40, made history by beating the world's best in endurance and placing 1-2-3 at Le Mans in 1966. Jordan's father, Bill, remembers that moment like it was just yesterday.
"I'd been around the GT40 with Comstock Racing and it was a spectacular car capable of beating anyone with the right driver behind the wheel," said Bill Jordan. "For a North American-built car to go into that race and not only beat the Ferrari's, but place first, second and third was amazing. I'm happy my son can now share in that historic moment with me."
Jordan has delayed taking delivery of the vehicle for a few weeks, allowing WhiteOak Ford Lincoln to display the Ford GT in its showroom. The same has been done at a number of other dealerships across Canada, driving extra traffic into Ford and Ford Lincoln showrooms for the chance to catch a glimpse of this elegant, powerful and rare supercar.
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"Back in '82, I could throw the pigskin a 1/4 mile."
Damn now I have put my name in the hat for a GT. Talked to a friend who has one on order at his dealership. And after all these great stories I told him to call when it gets in.