Ford is always striving to reach new heights when it comes to the innovation and design of its vehicles. That's why we at Mills Ford Chrysler were so excited to hear that the 2017 Ford GT has earned the Gene Ritvo Award for Design and Elegance from the New England Moto Press Association (NEMPA).

The Ritvo Award recognizes and honors the best designs in the automotive world and can be given to a vehicle already in production, a marketing campaign, a concept car, or a specific vehicular element that redefines elegance in automotive design.

The original Ford GT is one of the most iconic cars in history, so you can imagine the challenge the Ford team faced when looking for ways to update one of America’s favorite cars.

The 2017 Ford GT has a revolutionary design that maintains the essence of the original GT40, while making it into a 21st century car. This vehicle truly demonstrates our commitment to performance and innovation in every aspect of our business. 

--Moray Callum, vice president, Design, Ford Motor Company

Ford was able to keep enough of the original design while incorporating modern materials and technology to make it an advanced car today. Increased performance, advanced aerodynamics, and an ultra-efficient EcoBoost® engine help the all-new GT set new standards for innovation.

The Ford GT is the future in the present, but it never strays too far from the proportions that made the GT40 an instant classic. The Ford GT is no nostalgia car, but it looks back with enough fondness to make it appealing to every generation of car enthusiast. It's a worthy recipient of the award named for our friend Gene Ritvo.

--NEMPA President Craig Fitzgerald

Gene Ritvo was a devoted member of NEMPA and a concourse photographer with a keen eye. This year’s award is the second Ford has received, the first being earned for the Ford Fusion in 2012.

To discover the elegance and design of the soon-available 2017 Ford GT yourself, contact us today or stop in to see us at 4100 U.S. 71, Willmar, MN 56201.

Image Credit: Ford Motor Company