Lutesville Motor to add rare Ford GT to sales lot

MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- Many things have changed since Roy Underwood obtained a Ford franchise in Marble Hill back in 1935, including the vehicles. In 1935, Model T Fords were a common site on Bollinger County roads. Today if you pass by Lutesville Motor, you might catch a glimpse of the 2005 Ford GT.

As a result of winning the 2004 President's Award, Lutesville Motor became eligible to receive one of only 1,500 Ford GTs to be manufactured. They are the only Ford dealership in the area to have earned Ford's highest award for the last five years. General manager Dave Thomas said the President's Award is reserved for only the best of the best.

Supercharged GT

The GT is a two-door, two-passenger luxury sports car. Since only 1,500 GTs were produced in the 2005 model year, most dealerships will not get one. The final manufacturer's suggested retail price ranges from $143,845 to $157,095, depending on options.

The GT is equipped with a standard 5.4-liter, V-8, 550-horsepower, supercharged engine. Lutesville Motor's GT was delivered Monday afternoon. The car came in on an enclosed truck, well-protected against the elements. Sales manager Nick Underwood said everyone will have a chance to see the car before it is sold. "Hopefully we'll get it in the showroom today," he said. "We want people to be able to look at it."

Underwood said the car would have to undergo several inspections before being placed on the showroom floor. "We have to check and make sure the lugnuts are tight and check the fluids," he said.

Underwood said that Lutesville Motor plans to sell the car soon. He said the car is already listed on AutoTrader.com and will likely be listed on eBay soon.

Only 420 out of nearly 5,000 dealerships nationwide receive the President's Award. Every year, this award is given to dealers who provide their customers with first-rate treatment throughout the life of their Ford vehicles.

"Earning this award is a reflection of our entire staff's commitment to delivering the best customer experience possible," Thomas said. "We couldn't be more proud to receive this recognition, especially since it comes from the people we value most -- our customers. They're the reason were able to achieve this award."