When Ford reintroduced the GT in the mid-2000s, many buyers opted to place them in garages, hoping to see their value appreciate over time. However, if one intends to store such a rare supercar as an investment, it’s crucial to maintain it. Neglecting it for over a decade in a dusty garage can lead to dire consequences, as evidenced by a disturbingly moldy 2006 Ford GT that was recently found and rescued in a video from VINwiki.
The interiors of many luxury vehicles are often upholstered in leather, which can easily become a breeding ground for mold. Keeping such a vehicle away from sunlight for several years only fosters a luxurious environment for mold to thrive. While some owners may face difficult financial situations, health issues, or other unforeseen circumstances that lead to neglect, this does not excuse the oversight. The VINwiki video does not clarify why this particular Ferrari rival was abandoned for 15 years, left to succumb to mold.
Entering a car infested with mold to remove it from the garage requires safety precautions. Therefore, the two hosts equipped themselves with painter’s suits, masks, and gloves before tackling the task. The interior of the Ford GT showcased extensive mold growth, as the vehicle features a significant amount of leather and suede spanning the seats, dashboard, door panels, shift boot, and rear bulkhead. The mold made the cabin resemble a white fuzzy carpet, a sight that could easily induce nausea.
Unfortunately, to move the car out of the garage, the hosts needed access to the interior to disengage the gear. The Ford GT’s doors cannot be opened when the battery dies, which was the case here. They had to open the hood using its exterior release and jump-start the battery. Although it’s risky to attempt starting a high-performance supercar after 15 years of inactivity without checking its fluids, it was remarkable that the GT fired up after a few attempts—albeit not operating on all eight cylinders. In hindsight, I would have chosen to push it out instead.
With only 4,038 first-generation Ford GTs produced worldwide, it’s fortunate this car was rescued. We can only hope its next owner gives it the attention it deserves.
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