Story Behind the Riviera Blue 2017 Ford GT

Dave Bannister, creator of FordGTForum.com and organizer of Ford GT events around the country for over a decade, has taken delivery of his brand-new Riviera Blue 2017 Ford GT. Bannister shared his photos with us of the new car in their facility that houses privately owned GTs. Below is the story of his new car.

“I was hoping for a bit of a special VIN and despite being an earlier delivery I managed to get VIN 0040.  I know it’s kind of silly but I like having “GT 40.”  Ford, the GT concierge team and the Multimatic Niche Vehicle staff were all fantastic making ordering and delivery a special experience.  I got to go see my car built at the MNV, and as amazing as the car is put together, it’s even more impressive apart.  It truly is unlike any other car available today.  Andy Frisella and I spent a lot of time going back and forth during the color selection process, and I’m thrilled that my PTS Riviera Blue GT and his Arancio Borealis both came out so spectacularly.  It’s a credit to the design team on the GT that it wears such unique colors so well.  We’re going to have these cars together at Monterey Car Week.

See the 2018 Ford GT Horsepower Specs Here

Last year, I shipped my 30k mile 2006 GT to Europe and put it on the track at Spa-Francorchamps, the Nurburgring, and ultimately drove on the circuit at Le Mans right behind the 1-2-3 finishing GT40s from 1966, just before watching a Ford GT win again on the 50th anniversary.  Now, as the culmination of that experience, to have a car with such closely related DNA is truly a thrill.   It needs clear bra this week while I’m back at Le Mans, but luckily I already have seat time in the GT and it’s a savage and dramatic driving experience in the best way possible.  Can’t wait to get it out on the road and track.”