Mecum started the collector car auction season off with a bang in Kissimmee, offering 4,500 vehicles over nearly two weeks. There were some significant developments on the auction block including a 1965 Shelby GT350 that nearly hit $1,000,000 – a significant premium compared to recent sales – but the biggest surprise to us was how strongly the bidders reacted to the 2006 Ford GT Heritage Edition. Two crossed the block in Kissimmee on successive days, both achieving very strong results.
-Friday's Ford GT:
The 2005-2006 Ford GT emerged from Ford’s ambition to commemorate its centennial in 2003 and pay homage to the iconic GT40, which achieved remarkable success at Le Mans during the 1960s. The original GT40 was created as a response to Ford’s rivalry with Ferrari following an unsuccessful attempt to acquire the Italian automaker. Through its celebrated triumphs at Le Mans between 1966 and 1969, the GT40 solidified Ford’s status as a formidable competitor in motorsports.
The journey of the modern Ford GT began with the unveiling of the “GT40 Concept” car at the 2002 North American International Auto Show. Under the guidance of Ford’s vice president of design, J Mays, and chief engineer, Camilo Pardo, this concept aimed to merge the classic design elements of the GT40 with advanced technology and performance features. Although the concept received positive attention, it also posed a challenge for Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT) to transform such an ambitious idea into a production vehicle.
In creating the production version of the Ford GT, much of the concept’s striking aesthetic was retained but updated to align with contemporary safety and engineering standards. This necessitated inventive solutions, including making the new model larger than the originally low-slung GT40. Due to a trademark conflict with Safir Engineering, who held rights to the “GT40” name, the vehicle was designated as the “Ford GT.”
Equipped with a 5.4-liter supercharged V8 engine delivering 550 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque, the car boasts impressive acceleration capabilities, achieving 0-60 mph in just 3.5 seconds and reaching a top speed of 205 mph. With sophisticated engineering that includes an aluminum space frame chassis, double-wishbone suspension, and Brembo brakes, the Ford GT offers exceptional performance on the road.
Produced in limited numbers, especially the ones finished with the Heritage Edition option, the GT has become an increasingly desirable modern collector car. The one offered by Mecum at their 2025 Kissimmee auction on Friday, January 17 had covered just 71 miles since new and was equipped with all four options. Selling for a stunning price it makes us ask if this is a sign of coming trends for the ’05-’06 GT or if this was a one-off.
Sold for $1,001,000
-Saturday's Ford GT:
The following day another 2006 Ford GT Heritage Edition crossed the block in Kissimmee, this one having covered 1,940 miles since it left the showroom. Other than the higher mileage, it was a fairly comparable example, also equipped with all four available options. This one lends support to the idea that prices on the Heritage Edition GT are going no where but up. While it didn’t break seven-figures, the difference in price can be accounted for simply by looking at the odometer readings on each one.
Sold for $852,500