Sam Krahn 
The 2005-2006 Ford GT celebrates a simpler time of the supercar, an analogue experience with driver engagement as a primary goal. Yes, newer supercars are faster, but that doesn’t necessarily make them better in every way. And if that mid-2000s Ford GT is your ideal driving experience, this Roush modified “600 RE” limited edition coming up for auction via RM Sotheby’s in October is a great way to do it. It isn’t bad to look at, either.
It’s hard to believe now, but Ford was actually struggling to sell the 2006 GT at the end of the production cycle. To incentivize the remaining European spec cars, Ford teamed up with Roush to extract some extra power from the 5.4 liter supercharged V8. This wasn’t difficult for Roush, as they were involved with the GT project from the beginning. Through a smaller supercharger belt and pulley, enhanced oil cooling and a freer flowing Tubi exhaust, power was boosted to 600, up 50 from stock. Because these 10 specific Roush models were only sold in Europe, they earn the “600 RE” moniker, displayed on the doors and door sills.
The orange and blue Gulf Heritage color scheme on this model isn’t actually original. The vehicle was first painted in Mark IV Red, and repainted to the more desirable Heritage design sometime in it’s life. The first owner picked up this GT directly from Roush in the U.K., and put 1,500 miles on the vehicle before it was sold to the second and current owner in 2008. Now, the GT has just under 11,800 miles on the clock.
As for the rest of the GT, Roush didn’t mess with success. That means the aforementioned supercharged V8, six speed manual, rear drive, and no traction or stability control nannies. It didn’t even have any luggage space, other than a possibly empty passenger seat. Such is the price to pay for a car that delivered a world class supercar driving experience wrapped in a gorgeous retro body.
The original Ford GT 600 RE cost an extra converted price of $26,000 over the $139,995 sticker price, and this is number 6 of the 10 car run. When it goes up for auction on October 31, it will be fascinating to see if the Heritage color scheme and Roush upgrades carry a similar premium today. No matter what it sells for, the new owner is getting one of the all-time great analogue supercars. And you can’t deny the first generation GT’s design has aged beautifully.
