Rare Ford GT Stolen Off Manteca Showroom Floor
Written for the web by C. Johnson, Internet News Producer


Some bold car thieves remain on the loose after stealing, crashing and dumping one of the most powerful Ford models ever.

The car in question is a limited production Ford GT packing 550 horsepower. The theft was discovered when a Manteca police officer on patrol noticed the bright red car crashed on Locust Street. It appeared the thieves lost control of the car and went over a curb, destroying tires, rims, a fender, mirrors and more to the tune. Damages amount to about $30,000, according to Phil Waterford of Manteca Ford Mercury.

Waterford said the thieves wanted the car badly. The break-in happened about 4 a.m. Tuesday. "They kicked in the back door, came down the hallway, then used crowbars to open the other doors," said Waterford. From there they "broke open a safe and found the keys to the car."

That wasn't all. Waterford said that in order to start the GT, the thieves found the battery charger and jumped it. They pushed a Mustang belonging to rapper 50 Cent out of the way and from the damage that was caused, probably fished-tailed the GT out the showroom's double doors.

At that point, "they took a Navigator and rammed through the fence," Waterford said. The building didn't have an alarm system.

Waterford is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the persons responsible.

The GT is nicknamed the "Ferrari Killer." According to Waterford, in the 1960s the Ford Motor Company tried to buy Ferrari but was rebuffed. Instead it built the GT. The car's specifications include a zero to 60 acceleration time of three seconds. The GT's top speed is rated at over 200 mph. Only 500 of the models are manufactured each year.

Waterford said his dealership has sold five of the GTs this year. The manufacturer's suggested retail price is $160,000.