The Unicorn Ford GT: Inside One of the Rarest 2005 Specs Ever Built
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_dwk9-ycWk
When Ford decided to celebrate its centennial anniversary in 2005, they didn’t just throw a party, they resurrected a legend. The 2005 Ford GT emerged as a modern tribute to the iconic GT40 that dominated Le Mans in the 1960s. For two glorious years, Ford built approximately 4,000 of these supercar masterpieces. But among those thousands of cars, a handful of examples stand out as truly exceptional. Jeremy Feller’s midnight blue Ford GT stripe delete is one of them, and its story reveals just how special the right specification can be.
The Return of an Icon
This Ford GT’s comeback story is the stuff of automotive dreams. Built to commemorate Ford’s 100th anniversary, these cars weren’t just anniversary editions with special badges, they were serious performance machines that captured the spirit of the original GT40 while incorporating modern engineering and reliability. The 2005 Ford GT featured a supercharged 5.4-liter V8 producing 550 horsepower, a mid-engine layout, and styling that paid homage to its 1960s predecessor while looking distinctly contemporary.
One of the clever heritage touches Ford incorporated was hiding “100” in the driver’s side headlight to celebrate that centennial milestone. It’s these kinds of details that prove this wasn’t just another supercar, it was a rolling celebration of American automotive history and Ford’s racing legacy, particularly the GT40’s legendary 1-2-3 finish at Le Mans in 1966 and subsequent victories.
The Stripe Delete Difference
This is where Jeremy’s car becomes exceptional. The vast majority of Ford GTs, regardless of color, came equipped with the signature racing stripes that ran over the top of the car from nose to tail. These stripes were iconic, instantly recognizable, and part of the GT’s visual DNA. But Ford offered a stripe delete option, and very few buyers took advantage of it.
The Ford GT stripe delete created an entirely different aesthetic; one that emphasized the car’s sculptural bodywork and flowing lines without interruption. The choice of midnight blue is particularly striking. The deep, rich color wraps around the GT’s dramatic curves unbroken, creating a sleeker, more understated presence that paradoxically makes the car stand out even more.
According to Jeremy, there are roughly 60 midnight blue stripe delete cars in existence, though the actual number could be lower. But when you drill down to his specific specification, midnight blue with stripe delete, gray brake calipers, optional wheels, and McIntosh stereo, you’re looking at just five cars worldwide. Five. That’s not rare; that’s virtually unobtainable.
From Vintage Muscle to Modern Marvel
Jeremy’s automotive journey began at age six, riding in the back of a Boss 429 Mustang that his mother’s boyfriend owned and that his mom took street racing at night in Bedford, Indiana. That experience created a lifelong car enthusiast. He eventually became a national registrar for Boss 429 Mustangs, deeply immersed in the world of vintage muscle cars, where constant wrenching, winter storage concerns, and dried-out gaskets were just part of the ownership experience.
When the 2005 Ford GT was released, Jeremy saw it on the lot at a North Carolina dealership, but was focused on his vintage Mustang collection. Life had other plans. COVID came, he sold his cars, and when he got reemployed, he decided it was time to pursue the Ford GT dream he’d shelved years earlier.
Initially shopping for a midnight blue car with stripes, Jeremy’s dealer mentioned something unique coming in: a blue stripe delete. Having only handled one before, the dealer knew this was special. Jeremy signed immediately. It was his car.
The Daily Driver Supercar
What surprised Jeremy most about 2005 Ford GT ownership wasn’t the performance or the attention; it was the usability. “Ford did it right,” he explains, noting the drivability that sets this car apart. Unlike his vintage Mustangs that required constant maintenance, leaked fluids, and needed repairs after sitting through winter, the Ford GT was different.
“You get in, you turn the key, it’s kind of ready to rock,” Jeremy says. The clutch and shifting are remarkably easy for a supercar, making it accessible in ways that many exotics of the era simply weren’t. This was Ford’s engineering philosophy at work: create a car that delivered supercar performance without the typical supercar headaches. The 2005 Ford GT could be driven hard, parked, and driven hard again lacking the temperamental nature that plagued both vintage muscle cars and many contemporary exotics.
Living With a Legend
Today, Ford GTs have largely migrated to museums and private collections, making public sightings increasingly rare. Jeremy loves the reactions his car generates when it’s out on the road. People get genuinely excited to see a Ford GT in the wild, and the stripe delete midnight blue specification ensures his car gets noticed even among the GT community.
The personal story behind Jeremy’s ownership adds another layer of meaning. When he started dating his now wife, he laid his cards on the table early: “I’m going to play a lot of golf, I’m going to buy a lot of cars, and if you’re cool with that, we can continue to date.” She was cool with it, and his continuous hobby has included this remarkable piece of American automotive history.
The Collector’s Perspective
The Ford GT stripe delete represents something important in the collector car world: the value of restraint and uniqueness. While most buyers chose the traditional striped appearance, those who opted for the cleaner, stripe-free look created something rarer and, to many eyes, more elegant. Combined with midnight blue paint, gray calipers, and optional wheels, Jeremy’s car represents thoughtful specification rather than just ordering the flashiest options.
As these cars continue to appreciate and become more valuable, specifications like his will only become more sought after. The 2005 Ford GT is already recognized as one of the most successful modern heritage cars ever built, and the rarest examples will always command premium attention from serious collectors.
A Modern Classic
Jeremy Feller’s Ford GT isn’t just a car; it’s a bridge between Ford’s racing past and the brief moment when the company proved it could build a world-class supercar. The midnight blue stripe delete specification makes it one of the most unique examples in existence, and Jeremy’s journey from Boss 429 Mustangs to this modern masterpiece demonstrates how passionate enthusiasts evolve while staying true to their automotive roots.
In a world where most supercars demand constant attention and delicate handling, the 2005 Ford GT remains refreshingly usable, remarkably reliable, and increasingly rare to spot on public roads. Jeremy’s car represents the best of what Ford achieved: a true driver’s car that happens to be a collectible masterpiece.
Protect Your Investment
If you own a rare and valuable collector vehicle like a 2005 Ford GT or any classic car, protecting your investment with specialized coverage is essential. Standard auto insurance policies often don’t account for the unique value and appreciation potential of collector vehicles. Classic Auto Insurance understands the specific needs of enthusiasts and collectors, and offers agreed value coverage, flexible usage options, and expertise in insuring everything from vintage muscle cars to modern supercars. Don’t leave your automotive treasure unprotected. Contact Classic Auto Insurance today at 888-901-1338 to get a quote tailored to your collector vehicle’s true value and your driving needs.
