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Ford delivers the first Race Yellow Mustang GTD
Ford has handed over the first confirmed Mustang GTD finished in Race Yellow, instantly setting it apart from the expanding roster of customer deliveries that began in June. The Mustang GTD registry lists this car as the first example seen in the bright yellow hue. Whether it’s a standard Ford color or a bespoke Paint to Sample finish remains unconfirmed — if it’s the latter, the owner likely has a one-off that will draw attention both on the street and at the track.
Bold colors and owner individuality
The Race Yellow car adds to a parade of striking customer builds. One of the earliest deliveries surfaced in pink — a daring, memorable choice for such an extreme Mustang and a build credited to Beau Boeckmann, president and COO of Galpin Motors Inc. Each delivery underscores Ford’s high degree of customization for GTD buyers, offering options far beyond the factory palette of Shadow Black, Frozen White, Race Red, Lightning Blue, Polymimetic Gray, and Chroma Flame.
For buyers who want to stand out, Ford’s Paint to Sample program opens nearly limitless color choices — a logical option for affluent buyers paying premium prices for exclusivity.
Ordering, pricing and ownership rules
Securing a Mustang GTD has mirrored the high-demand, controlled-release approach Ford used for the Ford GT. Prospective purchasers submitted applications to Ford; approval was just the first step. Buyers then placed substantial deposits to secure their allocation. Base pricing starts around $325,000, but once you factor in track-focused upgrades, custom paints, and optional equipment, final invoices can climb well past $400,000.
Ford also enforces a 24-month ownership requirement before resale — a clause designed to curb immediate flipping and runaway aftermarket markups. That rule echoes the Ford GT program and, while occasionally controversial, has not dampened enthusiasm: the GTD generated thousands of applications in North America alone.
Production volume and demand
Ford has not published an exact total, but the company plans a limited two-year run estimated between 600 and 1,400 units — roughly 300 to 700 cars per year. That scarcity, combined with the GTD’s performance pedigree, has made it one of the most exclusive Mustangs ever produced. Reportedly, Ford received over 7,500 applications for U.S. and Canadian allocations, indicating demand far outstrips supply.
Vehicle specifications: power and hardware
Underneath the GTD’s aggressive bodywork sits a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 tuned to deliver about 815 horsepower — numbers that make the GTD arguably the most powerful muscle car in production. The drivetrain pairs raw displacement and forced induction with race-oriented cooling, a reinforced transmission, and calibrated control systems to put that power to the pavement safely.
Chassis, suspension and aero
The GTD features a suite of track-focused hardware: sophisticated suspension geometry, race-grade dampers and springs, upgraded brakes, and an aerodynamic package that produces substantial downforce at speed. These systems were developed to extract consistent lap times and give the GTD genuine circuit capability while retaining road manners for street use.
Performance highlights and Nurburgring record
Thanks to its powerplant and aero, the GTD recorded an impressive run at Germany’s Nurburgring Nordschleife, completing the 12.9-mile “Green Hell” in under seven minutes — a lap time that catapulted the GTD into supercar territory and made it the fastest American production car to tackle the circuit at the time. The Mustang GTD’s reported lap of 6:52.072 showcased how a muscle car can be engineered for serious track performance.
That benchmark was short-lived: the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 subsequently posted a quicker lap of 6:49.275 in July. Still, the GTD’s Nurburgring result is a statement about Ford’s ability to turn the Mustang platform into a track-capable contender against sports cars and exotics.
Who’s buying them and cultural cachet
The GTD’s buyer list already includes notable automotive personalities and industry figures. YouTuber Shmee150 claimed his GTD recently, adding it to a diverse collection of exotics and hypercars. John Hennessey of Hennessey Performance is another high-profile owner, and Ford CEO Jim Farley personally brought a GTD to Jay Leno — who’s driven the car and even made an appearance at a Toyota Supra meet in Los Angeles.
Yet the identity of the Race Yellow GTD’s owner hasn’t been revealed. Whether it belongs to a collector, a club racer, or a celebrity, the color choice and the GTD’s presence on the road will make it a memorable sight.
Market positioning and buyer profile
The Mustang GTD positions itself at the intersection of muscle-car heritage and modern track engineering. It’s aimed at buyers who want raw V8 character and the visceral feel of American performance, but with the engineering to perform consistently on a racetrack. With the Paint to Sample option, exclusivity is amplified — buyers are investing in both performance and individuality.
Comparisons: GTD vs. rivals
Compared with traditional American muscle, the GTD is a major step up in track capability. Against sports-car rivals like the Corvette ZR1, the GTD offers a different proposition: a V8, a muscle-car persona, and race-inspired aerodynamics. The ZR1 edged the GTD on the Nurburgring, but the GTD remains competitive and carries unique appeal for buyers who prioritize that classic American V8 experience with cutting-edge hardware.
Final thoughts
The Race Yellow Mustang GTD is another reminder that Ford’s limited-run, highly-customizable program has struck a chord. With limited production, stringent allocation, and powerful track credentials, the GTD continues to attract collectors and enthusiasts willing to pay a premium for performance and personalization. As deliveries continue worldwide, expect more striking colorways and bespoke builds to appear — each one reinforcing the GTD’s place as a modern, extreme Mustang.
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