Khaberni - In an unusual step, Ford has advised owners of its supercar, the Ford Mustang GTD, not to drive it for 30 days after receiving it, as a precautionary measure not related to any mechanical considerations, but due to the paint characteristics on its carbon fiber body.
The Mustang GTD is currently the highest performance car in the Ford lineup, combining traditional Mustang design with technologies closer to supercars, with a power output of up to 800 horsepower.
The car is priced at about $350,000, but acquiring it is not only contingent on financial capability; the company employs a selective order system, requiring prospective buyers to submit a formal application before Ford determines the clients qualified to receive purchase allocations.
Mandatory waiting period after delivery
According to company guidelines, it is advised not to drive the car immediately after delivery; instead, an additional 30 days should be waited before using it on the roads, a necessary period to allow the body paint to completely dry.
This is due in part to the car's reliance on body panels made entirely of carbon fiber, including the fenders, hood, roof, trunk lid, and door sills, which are lightweight and advanced materials that are painted according to wide customization options offered by the manufacturer to customers.
Paint protection is a prerequisite for use
This recommendation is specifically linked to the necessity of installing a paint protection film (PPF), a transparent membrane used to protect the exterior surface from damage caused by sunlight, water, and scratches from gravel and dirt during driving.
Ford confirms that applying this layer before the paint is completely dry could lead to permanent air bubbles and long-term damage to the paint.
This procedure gains additional significance in the Mustang GTD due to its wide tires, which increase the likelihood of gravel flying towards the car's body during driving, enhancing the need for effective paint protection as soon as possible, but at the right time.
Limited flexibility... and the expertise of technicians is crucial
Although the waiting period may be frustrating for some owners, especially after going through a lengthy selection process and customizing the car according to their desires, Ford believes that adhering to this period is essential to maintain the quality of the paint and the car’s value.
The company indicates that technicians specialized in installing protective layers are capable of determining whether the paint has completely dried before beginning the work.
Ford's recommendation reflects a meticulous approach to dealing with a car classified within a rare and high-performance category, where considerations exceed the limits of driving to include preserving the quality of the exterior finish, and with a complex purchasing process and high price, it appears that waiting an additional 30 days is an acceptable price to ensure long-term preservation of the car's perfect condition.
