SCM Analysis
Detailing
| Vehicle: | 2021 Ford GT Carbon Series |
| Years Produced: | 2017–23 |
| Number Produced: | 1,350 |
| SCM Valuation: | $890,000–$1,355,000 |
| Chassis Number Location: | Tag affixed to the top of the base of the dashboard on the driver’s side, visible through the windshield; also on build/weight rating tag in the driver’s door jamb |
| Engine Number Location: | Rear of the left bank cylinder head |
| Club Info: | Ford GT Forum |
| Website: | http://www.fordgtforum.com |
| Alternatives: | 2004–06 Ford GT, 2022–present Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, 2019–22 McLaren Senna |
| Investment Grade: | B |
This car, Lot 460, sold for $1,055,500, including buyer’s premium, at Worldwide Auctioneers’ Auburn, IN, sale on September 2, 2023.
The second-generation Ford GT is fast becoming an auction staple, just like its predecessor. Debuting for the 2017 model year with a 647-horsepower, twin-turbo V6 and exotic styling, it’s both a worthy successor to the retro-look 2005–06 GT and a legitimate supercar.
While Ford’s by-application ordering process meant these cars tend to be highly personalized, a good share were based on the numerous special editions offered. Part of the appeal of these special editions in the secondary market is that buyers generally know what they’re getting. In addition to the annual Heritage editions, the special editions that have proven to be most desirable are those loosely defined as “carbon” cars.
Carbon elements
Three different packages used extensive carbon fiber. First was the 2017–18 Competition Package. Its focus was weight reduction, de-contenting features like the A/C, radio and storage bins, but with all the otherwise-optional carbon-fiber goodies, including the wheels.
Next came the 2019–20 Carbon Series. This was technically called the “Carbon Graphics Package” — it must have been carried over to our subject car, a 2021 VIN-coded car. The body was mostly painted Shadow Black, but it had exposed carbon-fiber striping plus all the optional stand-alone carbon-fiber and titanium components.
Finally came the 2020 Liquid Carbon package. Offered with only clearcoat paint, its whole carbon-fiber body was otherwise naked to the world. It also proved to be the most expensive, at $768,890 before any additional options.
Why turn it loose?
With both the Carbon Graphics Package and the Carbon Red Graphics package (giving it the red striping, mirror caps and brake calipers) plus the obligatory gas guzzler tax, the sticker price of our subject car came to $625,350.
While I’m not privy to what Ford pays its design staff, $625k must be pushing the envelope of affordability pretty hard. You can buy a very nice home in the Detroit area for that much. While the car was on the block, it was stated that this was the only Ford GT that was ever bought by a Ford employee who wasn’t an executive — underscoring that this car is no cheap date.
So this was probably the chance of a lifetime for the consignor to live the dream — all that much better that it was a project he was involved with. (Among other things, he developed the ordering kits for approved buyers, one of which was included in the sale.) He held onto his Ford GT for the required 24 months, per Ford’s sales agreement, and now out of either need or the desire to make a buck, decided to consign the car in Auburn.
Keepsakes
Considering just the car without the add-ons, this sale was actually on the lower end of the market for a carbon GT. We have recently seen these cars selling for as little as $1,050,000 (SCM# 6957185) and as much as $1,375,000 (6950522). Bring a Trailer got $1.8m for an as-new 2020 Liquid Carbon in March of this year.
I’d have urged the consignor beforehand to have kept the Autodromo watch, due to his personal connection with it. He may regret losing it in the long term more than sending the car down the road, and bundling the watch with the car didn’t result in a higher sale price. A valid attempt, but one that didn’t pan out here.
With the second-gen Ford GT now officially out of production, if you want one, the secondary market is it. As each month until March 2025 passes, a few more fresh cars can and will come onto the market. Most pundits think that buyers will suck those up consistent with the current and foreseeable demand, generally maintaining current pricing levels. If we see spikes, it’ll be for the final limited-edition packages — mostly the Heritage liveries — right after they are no longer subjected to Ford’s prohibition on resale.
If the new owner here bought the car as a flip, they should do all right, provided they’re in a position to shop it around without the need to turn it over right away. While it would be disappointing, I would not be surprised if the watch gets sold separately for some instant cash. However, the unique backstory of the car and its first owner is where the real investment profit might lie over the long haul, despite the result this time. Keeping everything together and maintaining the car’s provenance should prove to be smart, more so with each tick of that watch. ♦
(Introductory description courtesy of Worldwide Auctioneers.)