You can buy this Ford GT owned by a two-time drift champ

Cast your mind back to 2016 and you’ll no doubt recall the clamour surrounding the Ford GT. The company received thousands of applications from would-be owners, with only a handful deemed worthy enough to take delivery of the earliest models.

It’s no surprise then that demand has always been high when these GT owners decide it’s time for a change, and this week is no different. Pro drifter Vaughn Gittin Jr - a two-time champion in Formula D, no less - has put his up for auction, and the current bid at the time of writing is already $235,000 (around £175,000) more than the original asking price. Yikes.

The Ford GT of course has a 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 engine capable of 647bhp at 6,250rpm and torque of 550lb ft at 5,900rpm, figures that deliver 0-62mph in around three seconds and a top speed of 216mph.

This example is finished in Lead Foot Gray, which according to the original invoice immediately added $30k to the price. The matte carbon fibre trim pack then added another $15k on top of that.

The 20-inch wheels are fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2s, although you get a set of previously mounted RTR 5 forged wheels in black thrown in for good measure. Brembo ceramic brakes and silver-finished calipers complete the look.

Inside the Dark Energy interior is awash with Alcantara, and the Sparco bucket seats have been optioned with harness anchors for, er, spirited driving. The car’s listing notes that the carbon fibre tub is protected by floor mats and that air con is fitted, not that you’d likely accept anything less when dropping a quarter of a million bucks on a car.

There are just 2,000 miles on the clock and the GT has a clean report under its single owner thus far. “I still get goosebumps every time I say ‘My Ford GT’,” said Gittin. “I have enjoyed this unbelievable machine in every way that Ford has designed to be enjoyed. I’ve given my family amazing experiences, driven it in some beautiful places, and it’s time to let it go.”

Gittin has one request, though: “Whoever wins it, you’ve got to have fun in it. It’s not meant to sit in a garage.”

You heard the man. The auction ends in a few days (check the listing here) so you’ve still got time to crowdfund a winning bid… 

Photography: Bring a Trailer