Exploring the Wonders of Ford GTs at the Recent Concours and Coffee Gathering
The Marconi Automotive Museum played host to an exclusive gathering of Ford GT enthusiasts this past weekend, as the Ford GT II event returned for its annual celebration of the iconic race car. Organized by William Laporte and Michael Dirr, the event featured all three generations of Ford's GT, including the Ruffian GT40 and Gulf-liveried replicas.
One of the standout vehicles at the event was Salvador Meza's red first-gen GT, which boasted a Heffner twin-turbo setup, KW coilovers with a lift kit, and HRE three-piece wheels. Natan Davoodi, the Lemon Guru, brought his Holman Moody GT Mk II to the event, which remains in Le Mans race-ready condition.
Ruffian also showcased two of its project cars at the event, including a 1964 Galaxie 500 and a 1967 FIA Mustang Ford. Bill Nelson owned the white second-gen GT on display, while Sebastian Lefarja showcased his black 2006 first-gen GT.
One of the highlights of the event was the Ruffian GT40, which was first showcased in 2022. The custom-built car features a carbon-fiber-infused body, wild 3D-printed headlights, wide Signature Three centerlock wheels, and Toyo Proxes R888Rs. David Anders also brought the second Gulf GT40 replica to the event, which was backed by the oil company for the '68 and '69 Le Mans 24-hour race wins.
David Miyasako owned the Gulf-liveried GT40 Superformance replica at the event, which featured a Roush 7.0-liter engine. Boden Autohaus updated its first-gen GT before the event, replacing the black wrap with a muted green Inozetek wrap and adding KW V3 coilovers, HRE 517 wheels, and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S rubber.
Inside the Marconi Automotive Museum, Concours and Coffee set up an indoor activation with one each of a first- and second-gen Ford GT. The main show area at the Ford GT II event featured two special three-car sections, showcasing the historical and modern iterations of the Ford GT.
The Ford GT40 holds a historic and iconic status among Ford GT enthusiasts primarily because of its groundbreaking success at the 24 Hours of Le Mans race in the 1960s and its role as a symbol of American racing ingenuity. The GT40 was developed to challenge and ultimately break Ferrari's dominance at Le Mans, which it famously accomplished by winning consecutively from 1966 through 1969, marking a legendary period in endurance racing history.
The legacy of the Ford GT40 extends into modern Ford GT models, which retain a connection to the original’s racing DNA while incorporating contemporary technology such as carbon-ceramic brakes, advanced transmissions, and more efficient engines. This continuity strengthens the GT40’s significance for modern fans and collectors, linking the storied past with present-day performance.
The Marconi Automotive Museum is a nonprofit foundation with a collection of rare, exotic, and historic cars, and its mission is to help raise awareness for at-risk youth in the community and give back through fundraisers, toy drives, and other events. The event was a private, invite-only shindig, but organizers Laporte and Dirr plan to hold the Ford GT II event annually and can be reached through their Instagram for next year's event. The Ford GT II event was organized by the C and C brand, which caters to high-end enthusiasts with curated experiences.
All the cars showcased at the event were immaculate and breathtaking, a testament to the passion and dedication of their owners and the enduring allure of the Ford GT40.
- Car enthusiasts looking for a detailed review of the Ford GT might find it in Motortrend's performance analysis of the car.
- Besides the Ford GT, other automotive marvels such as trucks and electric vehicles like sports-betting sponsors Tesla, have graced car-maintenance magazines as well.
- The Ford GT's iconic design has inspired numerous replicas like the Gulf-liveried ones, becoming a staple in the lifestyle and home-and-garden sections of magazines.
- The ever-evolving car industry continues to push boundaries as innovative features like carbon-ceramic brakes and advanced transmissions find their way into sports cars, such as the new iterations of the Ford GT.
- The continued success of the Ford GT has even transcended the automotive world, with teams like Liverpool FC in the European Premier League sporting the logo.
- The first-gen Ford GT's impressive performance can be elevated even further, as seen in Salvador Meza's own GT with a Heffner twin-turbo setup.
- For fans of the Ford GT, seeing the historic Ruffian GT40 or David Anders' Gulf GT40 replica, reminding them of the legendary 1960s Le Mans wins, is a thrilling experience.
- The annual Ford GT II event attracts some of the most dedicated Ford GT enthusiasts, who gather to celebrate their shared passion for the iconic race car.
- Building a custom car like the Ruffian GT40 takes both automotive expertise and a creative flair for design, as exemplified by its carbon-fiber-infused body and wild 3D-printed headlights.
- In addition to the Ford GT II event, the Marconi Automotive Museum also hosts other events aimed at raising funds and awareness for at-risk youth in the community.
