2004 Ford FPV GT-P Sedan (Build No. 001)

Description

Following Prodrive’s purchase of Tickford Vehicle Engineering, Ford Australia formed a new high-performance division in partnership with the English firm in 2002.  Branded Ford Performance Vehicles, the first model released was the GT based on the current BA series, marking a return of the famous badge.  Under the bonnet, the 5.4-litre Boss 290 V8 boasted twin-cam multi-valve heads lifted from the Cobra R Mustang mated to either a four-speed auto or Tremec T3650 five-speed manual gearboxes.  Rated at 290 kW (389 bhp) at 5500rpm and with 520 Nm (380 lb/ft) of torque at 4500rpm, the FPV certainly wasn’t lacking in grunt and could dispatch the 0-100km/h dash in under six seconds on the way to a top speed of 265 km/h.  The base GT was supplemented by the more luxurious Fairmont-based GT-P with upgraded dash and a long list of luxury features.  Priced at $69,850, the GT-P came with leather upholstery, bespoke steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a trip computer and immobiliser as standard.  The FPV certainly looked the part, adding a front and rear body kit, boot lid spoiler and 18-inch alloy rims, while PBR upgraded brakes consisted of 325mm front rotors and FPV-branded two piston calipers and 303mm rear rotors.  The GT-P benefited from upgraded four pot Brembos with 355mm rotors at the front and 330mm at the rear.  In 2005 FPV released an upgraded model range based on the BA Mark II and the GT-P came with 19-inch five-spoke wheels plus new colours, stripe and bonnet decal package, while the old five-speed manual was ditched in favour of the T56 six-speed box.  With values of rival HSVs climbing fast, the Blue Oval’s FPV range still has plenty of room for appreciation and there is little doubt the GT-P is a future classic.