It's not everyday I can drive a Ford GT through the more picturesque parts of California with a like-minded enthusiast. Okay, technically I can drive the car wherever I want whenever I want to, but in reality my schedule leaves precious little time for galavanting around The Golden State's backroads.
However, earlier this week I managed to escape the daily routine and meet up with friend and co-worker, Brent Romans, for a romp through California's central valley. Our mounts of choice? One 2005 Ford GT and one 2008 Chevrolet Corvette (with six-speed manual transmission and Z51 suspension package).
Our run
began in Delano, California, just north of Bakersfield off the 99 freeway. From there we jumped on Route 155 east out of Delano and eventually circled around the north side of Lake Isabella. This was arguably the best section of the trip, as the north loop around Lake Isabella combines fast, sweeping turns with long, straight stretches of smooth pavement, all punctuated by a spectacular view of the lake. On one specific stretch of road the visibility and pavement quality meant you could really stretch a supercar's legs...if you're into that sort of thing...
After that we headed east on Route 178 toward the 14 freeway, but we took a small detour onto Kelso Valley Road, thinking it would provide a more interesting path between Lake Isabella and Red Rock Canyon State Park. Well, it did, but the path included about 12 miles of dirt road that started about 20 miles down Kelso Valley. Call us wimps, but after about five minutes of deliberation we turned around where the pavement ended. Maybe next time we'll complete the path...in the long-term Jeep Wrangler.
But the run down Kelso Valley provided some of the best scenery of the trip, so even this one-way run and 20-mile backtrack proved worthwhile. Thus I leave you with what are likely the first (and hopefully the last) pictures you'll ever see of a Ford GT and Chevrolet Corvette going (slightly) off-road. But if you get the chance to try this run in your own vehicle I highly suggest it.
And if you're vehicle is capable of off-highway travel (or maybe even if it isn't...) give Kelso Valley a try.
By sabastian
on October 17, 2008
03:40 PM
Wow. In black and with those wheels, the Vette looks absolutely badass.
By opfreakx
on October 17, 2008
04:37 PM
if i'd have the money, i'd take both,
By scott65
on October 17, 2008
08:17 PM
Great pictures, awesome post Karl!
By karjunkie
on October 19, 2008
06:55 AM
What a shame GM and Ford can't make most of their cars as beautiful as this pair! Awesome pictures Karl, congratulations! My envy of you and Brent knows no bounds!
By 1487
on October 20, 2008
05:47 AM
I like those new rims on the Vette.
By chavis10
on October 20, 2008
07:03 AM
GT looks weird in those photos- too low and flat. It makes the already low Vette look like an upright Prius by comparison.
By arumage
on October 20, 2008
11:22 AM
The GT is just over 44" tall so Ford actually made it taller. The Z06 is 49" tall so it is significantly taller. Both are taller than the original GT40 which was just under 41" in height.
By chavis10
on October 21, 2008
06:13 AM
Oh, that explains it. 44" is low as hell. I wonder if you can drive it under the trailer of a big rig like they do in the movies...???
By xxfordgtxx
on March 23, 2009
10:36 AM
That must have been a fun trip, taking two of the best supercars in America out for a little trip. Wish I had a Ford GT, and a license for that matter.
By xxfordgtxx
on March 23, 2009
10:39 AM
That must have been a fun drive. Taking two of America's supercars for a drive in California. Wish I lived there and not Colorado, and had a Ford GT. And I guess a license for that matter.