The legal battle between Ford and John Cena is over as lawyers for the actor and professional wrestler have announced a settlement in the case.
In a statement sent to Jalopnik, the law firm of Bush Ross, P.A said “John Cena reached a settlement with Ford Motor Company for selling his Ford GT despite a program requirement to retain ownership for 24 months.” The terms of the settlement were not disclosed but Ford will be donating the money to an undisclosed charity.
While Cena’s lawyers had previously attempted to get the lawsuit dismissed by claiming the resale restriction wasn’t included in the sales agreement, the settlement statement noted “The resale restriction – common for the world’s most exclusive cars – was part of an extensive owner selection process to ensure the passion and aura surrounding the Ford GT is maintained.”
Besides announcing the settlement, the lawyers included a short message from Cena which read “I love the Ford GT and apologize to Ford, and encourage others who own the car to respect the contract.” Cena went on to say “I am pleased we could resolve this matter outside of court, and that a worthy charity will benefit from one of the most iconic cars in the world.”
While suing celebrity owners isn’t a good look for an automaker, Ford wanted to ensure GTs went to buyers who actually wanted the car and would use them. As a result, Ford made prospective buyers fill out an application to purchase the car and then handpicked the best candidates. Even after this process, buyers had to agree not to sell their car for two years.
Cena’s GT is one of only two known models that have been sold on the secondhand market since the car was launched. The other was auctioned off earlier this year for $1.65 million but the circumstances surrounding that car remain shrouded in mystery. Mecum Auctions chief executive Dana Mecum suggested there was legal drama surrounding that model as well as he noted “A judge did rule in Mecum’s favor that we can sell this car, and if Ford wanted it back, they were welcome to come here and bid on it.”
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