News

Oct 27 2025

LEGENDARY HERITAGE, LASTING IMPACT: 2005 FORD GT TO BENEFIT THE RYAN BLANEY FAMILY FOUNDATION

Some cars represent more than speed – they symbolize legacy, purpose and heart. A one-owner 2005 Ford GT, finished in Mark IV Red, stands as both a tribute to Ford’s racing history and a powerful vehicle for change. Crossing the Barrett-Jackson auction block in January 2026 at the Scottsdale Auction, 100% of its hammer price will benefit the Ryan Blaney Family Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing brain health awareness and supporting families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and concussions.

When Ford unveiled the GT in 2002, it was designed to commemorate Ford Motor Company’s 100th anniversary and was inspired by the legendary GT40 that triumphed over Ferrari at Le Mans in the 1960s. Nicknamed “the pace car for an entire company,” the GT40 concept stunned audiences at the North American International Auto Show before evolving into full-scale production by 2004 for the 2005 model year.

Standing just 43 inches tall, the reborn GT captured the essence of its predecessor’s purpose: speed with soul. Under its rear clamshell rests a 5.4-liter all-aluminum V8 equipped with a Lysholm twin-screw supercharger that produces 550 horsepower and 500 ft/lbs of torque. Mated to a Ricardo 6-speed manual transmission, this drivetrain propels the GT from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds and delivers a top speed of 205 mph.

This example, one of only 776 finished in Mark IV Red for 2005, was originally purchased from a Ford dealer in Sparta, Wisconsin. Factory options include painted racing stripes, red-painted brake calipers, forged BBS wheels, and a McIntosh stereo system, along with a black interior. When not being enjoyed
on the road, the Mark IV Red GT spent its life in a climate-controlled garage.

While the GT pays homage to Ford’s Le Mans legacy, this particular car is now part of a mission far greater than horsepower: It’s driving hope, as it will benefit the Ryan Blaney Family Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping families navigate brain-related illnesses and injuries.

Founded in 2018 by NASCAR driver Ryan Blaney and his family, the foundation’s story is deeply personal. Lou Blaney, a father and a grandfather, passed away from Alzheimer’s disease at just 69 years old. Experiencing the devastating impact of Alzheimer’s firsthand inspired the Blaney family to take action.

Their mission deepened after two family members suffered severe concussions, one in a racing accident and another from a workplace injury. With timely medical care, both recovered fully, underscoring how access to expert treatment can change lives. From these experiences, the Ryan Blaney Family Foundation was created with the goal to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and concussions and to support families and caregivers by providing education, community programs and resources for those affected.
Ryan Blaney, one of NASCAR’s brightest stars, carries forward his family’s racing legacy both on and off the track. A multi-time NASCAR Cup Series race winner and 2023 Cup Series champion, Blaney is known for his sharp instincts behind the wheel and his humility outside the car. His commitment to brain health awareness reflects his understanding that true victory isn’t just measured in laps, it’s measured in lives touched.

For collectors, this 2005 Ford GT is a tangible link to one of Ford’s most glorious racing chapters. But for those moved by the cause it supports, it represents something even greater: compassion, awareness and progress.

When the hammer falls in Scottsdale, every dollar from its sale will directly benefit the Ryan Blaney
Family Foundation and its mission to ensure that no family faces Alzheimer’s disease or concussion
recovery alone. This Mark IV Red Ford GT, once built to celebrate the centennial of a company, is now poised to celebrate the resilience of families and the power of giving. Register to bid today!