Ford Motor Company and wrestling superstar John Cena have settled the suit over the Ford GT that Cena purchased. Cena was one of the lucky few allowed to purchase a 2017 Ford GT, a highly coveted and limited-edition supercar. Ford took legal action against Cena when he sold the car while under the contractually obligated no-sale period, which was designed to prevent flipping and ensure that the cars went to true enthusiasts.
Details of the Settlement
Cena is paying Ford an undisclosed amount of money over the suit, and all the money will be given to charity. This charitable gesture aligns with both Cena’s and Ford’s public images of community involvement and philanthropy. Cena paid for the Ford GT in two installments according to reports. His car was delivered to Elder Ford in Tampa on September 23, marking a significant moment for the wrestling superstar and car enthusiast.
However, Cena sold the car in October to New Autos Inc. in Chico, California, just a month after taking delivery. This quick turnaround caught Ford’s attention, leading to the lawsuit. Ford also has a suit pending against the dealership that purchased the car, indicating that the automaker is serious about enforcing its no-sale agreements. Ford was originally seeking $75,000 in damages. The automaker also wanted to buy the car back for the $463,376.50 Cena paid and wanted any profit made from the deal.
Implications and Broader Context
The Ford GT is not just any car; it’s a symbol of Ford’s engineering prowess and a tribute to its racing heritage. The 2017 model, in particular, was limited to just 1,000 units, making it a rare and highly desirable vehicle. Ford’s stringent no-sale clause was put in place to ensure that these cars went to true enthusiasts who would appreciate and showcase the vehicle, rather than flipping it for a quick profit.
Cena’s case is not an isolated incident. Other high-profile buyers have also faced scrutiny for attempting to sell their limited-edition vehicles prematurely. This situation highlights the challenges automakers face in controlling the secondary market for their exclusive models. By enforcing these no-sale agreements, companies like Ford aim to maintain the integrity and value of their limited-edition vehicles.
Moreover, the settlement’s charitable aspect adds a positive spin to an otherwise contentious situation. It demonstrates that even in legal disputes, there can be outcomes that benefit the broader community. Cena, known for his philanthropic efforts, and Ford, with its history of community involvement, both stand to gain positive public relations from this resolution.
via AutoNews
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