Reviving A Legend: Lynx And The First-Gen Ford GT Restoration Project

Omar Yusuf

4 min read

Post on May 11, 2025

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The Discovery and Assessment Phase

The journey began with the discovery of a neglected but fundamentally sound first-generation Ford GT. Located in a private collection, the car had been untouched for years, its once vibrant paint dulled by time and neglect. The initial inspection revealed the full extent of the work ahead: a comprehensive First-Gen Ford GT Restoration was needed.

• Extent of rust and corrosion: Significant surface rust was evident, particularly in the undercarriage and lower body panels. More worryingly, some areas showed signs of deeper penetration.
• Mechanical issues requiring attention: The engine was seized, the transmission unresponsive, and several key components were missing or damaged.
• Condition of the interior and exterior: The interior was largely intact but heavily soiled and worn, requiring complete refurbishment. The exterior paint was severely faded and cracked.
• Assessment of the originality of parts: A crucial aspect of any restoration project is preserving originality. Many parts were original, but some replacements would be needed, demanding careful sourcing.

Disassembly and Parts Sourcing for the Ford GT Restoration

The meticulous disassembly process was crucial. Each part was carefully documented, photographed, and cataloged before removal, using a combination of hand tools and specialized equipment. This phase presented many challenges, including:

• Frozen fasteners: Years of neglect had resulted in numerous seized bolts and nuts, requiring careful application of penetrating oil and specialized extraction tools.
• Brittle components: Some parts were so brittle from age that they crumbled during removal, necessitating fabrication of replacements.

Sourcing replacement parts for a first-generation Ford GT is notoriously difficult. Finding parts that matched the car's original specifications was paramount. Lynx leveraged their extensive network of contacts, scouring salvage yards, specialized suppliers, and online forums to locate:

• Original Ford GT wheels: Finding a matching set of original wheels in good condition proved particularly challenging, but finally, a set was located in near-perfect condition.
• NOS (New Old Stock) parts: Where possible, NOS parts were prioritized to maintain the car's authenticity, a cornerstone of any successful classic car restoration.

The Restoration Process: Bodywork, Paint, and Mechanicals

This stage demanded the skills of master craftsmen. Lynx's team, experts in classic car restoration techniques, tackled the restoration with surgical precision.

Bodywork: The extensive rust and corrosion required meticulous metal repair. Techniques such as panel replacement, metal straightening, and filler application were used to restore the body to its original shape. This involved:

• Ford GT body repair: Advanced techniques, including welding, lead filling and shaping for precision restoration of the unique contours of the Ford GT body.
• Panel fabrication: Creating replacement panels where originals were beyond repair, ensuring precise matches to the original factory specifications.

Paint: Achieving the perfect color match was crucial. After extensive research, the original factory color was precisely replicated, using high-quality automotive paint. Multiple coats were applied, followed by meticulous polishing and buffing to achieve a show-quality finish.

Mechanical Restoration: The seized engine underwent a complete rebuild, adhering strictly to factory specifications. This included:

• Ford GT engine rebuild: The engine was carefully disassembled, inspected, cleaned, and reassembled with new gaskets, seals, and bearings.
• Classic car engine restoration: Precise measurements and tolerances were meticulously adhered to, ensuring the engine's performance and reliability. The transmission received a similar meticulous overhaul.

Reassembly and Final Touches of the First-Gen Ford GT

The reassembly phase mirrored the disassembly, with each component carefully installed and checked. The interior received a complete restoration, using materials as close as possible to the originals. The meticulous process included:

• Interior restoration: Original upholstery was carefully preserved and cleaned, while damaged parts were replaced with accurate reproductions. The dashboard was meticulously restored, preserving its classic look.
• Engine and Transmission Reassembly: Once the engines and transmission were rebuilt, they were re-installed following exact factory procedures to ensure proper function.

Extensive testing and tuning ensured the car ran as it did when it left the factory. Finally, a thorough quality control check verified that every system functioned flawlessly.

The Legacy Continues: Your First-Gen Ford GT Restoration Journey

The Lynx First-Gen Ford GT Restoration project is a testament to the company's dedication and skill. Overcoming numerous challenges, they successfully revived a legend, preserving a piece of automotive history. The project underscores the importance of preserving these iconic vehicles for future generations.

Are you the owner of a classic car that needs restoration? Do you dream of owning a perfectly restored first-generation Ford GT? Lynx offers expert Ford GT restoration services, and we are also classic car restoration experts ready to bring your dream to life. Contact us today to discuss your project and discover how we can help you restore your automotive treasure. [Link to Contact Page]