I've never heard it called the 100th anniversary car. It been called the "Pace car of an entire company" (Ford Motor Company). Ford motor company was founded in 1903 so 2003 was the 100th anniversary of the company. The Concept "GT40" was first debuted at the New York Auto Show in 2002. The "40" was dropped from the name because it was not 40" tall like the original 1960's racer. Then production began in 2004, first cars delivered as 2005 Models in August 2004.
OK someone tried telling me they began in 2002 but I knew that wasn't right. Thanks for clearing that up.
Yes, it was introduced as a legit car for the centennial in 03. They chose between making the GT or the Forty Nine a production vehicle for the 100th and chose the GT. The concept was shown at the NAIAS in January 02, they built three production ready cars for the centennial event I think in June 03, and they started delivering customer cars for MY2005 in the fall of 2004.
The name was changed from GT40 to Ford GT because Ford did not own rights to the name and could not reach an agreement with the aftermarket parts company that does own it. Yes the car was built as part of the 100th anniversary. Heck the headlights have 100 right in the design.
exactly Submitted a memo to call it the GT44 or 45, Ford didn't like it since the connotation of a 44 Magnum and the Colt 45. So sent back another memo to go with GT1 or GT100 but to no avail. IMO to many things out there in the world that have the GT moniker. Could have found a name that possibly gave the company a new statement for the next 100 years. But that's what the pay the big bucks for the letters GT. Damn that was hard and expensive. I'm sure it cost them several million just to come up with that. The GT90 prototype called it several years earlier to bad Ford doesn't listen to themselves.:bash:
