Ford is one of the most important automakers of all time in practically all genres of vehicles. However, the Ford GT is one of the automaker’s most surprising rides. The GT is astonishing because it comes from Ford, and simply because it’s categorized as a supercar. Although it’s changing, the car world doesn’t widely know American automakers for supercars.

The Ford GT currently has two generations of rides on the car market. It debuted for the 2005 model year, and the automaker made another for 2006. However, the world didn’t get a new Ford GT until the 2017 model year. Though more got produced than other supercars, the Ford GT is perhaps one of the rarest rides from the storied automaker. There were 4,000 units produced for the first generation, and currently, the automaker plans to make, 1,350 for the second. Ford plans to end the GT after the 2022 model.

The Ford GT is a celebrated ride for many reasons. It delivers neck-breaking speeds, has a unique look that draws inspiration from the classics, and helped put American automakers on the map for supercars. However, despite the automaker producing new rides, most people agree that the first-generation GT models are the best and the most special. Although the new GTs are great, Ford really knocked it out of the park with the first two models.

Here’s what makes the 2005-2006 Ford GT so special.

The 2005 And 2006 Ford GT Are Renowned For Their Engines And Performance

Extremely Rare 1-of-2 2006 Ford GT In Speed Yellow Paint 
Via: Bring aTrailer

The Ford GT is a car with a reputation for speed and raw power. The 2005 model has a 5.4-liter V8 with a double overhead cam under its hood. It has a maximum output of 550 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and a torque of 500 lb-ft at 3,750rpm. The 2005 Ford GT is a rear-wheel-drive vehicle with a six-speed manual transmission. Regarding performance, the first model Ford GT accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour in only 3.4 seconds, which is out of this world.

People interested in the first-generation Ford GT should know that the 2006 model is identical regarding engine and performance to the 2005 one. Overall, the cars have slight differences, but they are primarily the same. As most people would guess, the Ford GT is the automaker’s fastest ride.

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The Ford GT Has A Striking Exterior

2006 Ford GT Heritage Edition 162 Miles 2
via Bring a Trailer

The exterior is one of the best aspects of the first-generation Ford GT. The GT is a car that looks almost nothing like a Ford, which is true even when you consider the various trims of the Mustang. It has a long body that resembles classic race cars, but without that stretched-out appearance, many bigger cars have. The part of the Ford GT that stands out the most is the front, with the headlight area raised above the rest. This part gives the car a dynamic look reminiscent of the '80s while also cutting edge. The automaker used that same design for the rear, where the area above the tires protrudes upwards.

These small design cues make the first-generation Ford GT not only one of the automaker’s most special rides, but also perhaps its most innovative in outward appearance. It’s also easy to see why Ford produced so few GTs. While it’s a striking beauty for many, this isn’t a vehicle everyone will love. For some, it’s a bit too out of the ordinary, as supercars usually are. However, this also makes the Ford GT stand out from other Ford vehicles and all other sports cars on the market, as it perfectly combines the past with the future.

RELATED: Why We Can't Stop Obsessing Over The 2017 Ford GT Supercar

The Ford GT Has A Race Car Interior

2006 Ford GT Heritage Interior
via Bring a Trailer

The first-generation Ford GT has an interior built for race car drivers and those who admire them. In other words, the car’s premium cabin is small and relatively simple. Given that these cars were from 2005 and 2006, it’s reasonable that they don’t have the most advanced technology. However, we’re guessing most people interested in this car aren’t necessarily looking for touchscreens. The vehicle has two solid seats that should be reasonably resistant to damage. Another great thing about the interior of the 2005-2006 Ford GTs is that everything is in plain view of the driver, which means this is a pretty simple car to operate from the inside. This is important because simplicity is a hallmark of supercars, which need to be as light as possible.

Ford has its fair share of hits and misses on the car market. The Ford GT is one of its many hits, and it’s also one of the automaker’s rides that shows what the company can do in terms of innovation. The Ford GT isn't the family car people have come to expect from Ford, nor is it an approachable sports car like the Mustang. The first-generation Ford GT is special because it represents one of the times this storied automaker colored outside the lines. This car appealed to the gearheads that often have to look to other countries for extreme power and speed.