Jeremy Clarkson of Top Gear hasn’t been exactly secretive about his affinity for the Ford GT supercar. He was spotted filming with a GT back in 2017, but his love affair with the powerful machine started well before that – at least, if a classic review he filmed over 20 years ago is anything to go by.
Posted by Top Gear Classic just last week but originally airing on October 26th, 2003, Clarkson’s review puts him in control of a bright red Ford GT. He praises the vehicle for its status as “the first proper supercar built in America,” where it was created as a celebration of Ford’s 100th anniversary. It’s a stunning machine, and proves that “Detroit isn’t dead – it’s still coughing up blood. And guts.”
The Ford GT was built to be more than just a looker. It boasts 500 brake horsepower and a 200 mph top speed. Its supercharged 5.4L V8 engine was lifted right from the F-Series pickups of the era, and it certainly sounds like it. Despite all its power and the American affinity for straight-line machines rather than proper cornering, the Ford GT has sufficient grip and handling to make it an “epic” ride on track.
Moreover, everything in the Ford GT just feels “light” and classy. The doors cut into the roof, just like the classic Ford GT40, and a window shows right into its supercharged heart. It’s more agile than both Lamborghini and Ferrari supercars, and even better, it has its European competition beat in the price department. Though it was produced in very small numbers, Clarkson says that it’s still one of the most affordable vehicles in its class.
“I love it mostly, though, because it takes you back to a time when Detroit was humming to the petrol head rhythm of the MoTown sound,” Clarkson says.
While he’s particularly fond of the Ford GT, Clarkson has given honors to other Ford vehicles, naming the 2016 Ford Focus RS, and the 2016 Ford Mustang GT to his top 10 list.
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