We received requests by customers for a special track version of our Vandenbrink GTO. We're currently exploring the options for such a racer. This made us think of the former GTX class, which triggered the idea how great it would be to revive this class..... Many design aspects/elements depend on which class(es) the Special Coachbuilt cars will be participating in. For non-homologated GT racers like Ascari, Mosler, Callaway Corvette and Seat Cupra GT for example, there are only several regional competitions and no worldwide open GT cup. Formal classes demand to comply with their rules, while open classes offer much more flexibility in design. Participation in Le Mans is for example not possible for Special Coachbuilt cars as they usually are exclusive in numbers and therefore do not comply with the GT1 and GT2 rules as a large or small scale manufacturer. There used to be however a class for non-homologated special coachbuilt cars, called the GTX class. It would be great if this class would be revived. Think for example of the famous Ferrari 250 GT "Breadvan", and the Special Coachbuilt Michelotti version of the 365 GTB/4 Daytona of the American Ferrari-importer Luigi Chinetti, racing under the name N.A.R.T. These cars have gained extreme collectors value in the course of years. Imagine an LM version of P4/5 next to some Special Coachbuilt Callaway and Castagna Corvettes racing special Zagato Aston Martins and 575 GTZ and of course our GTO and many more very rare sportscars. The GTX series would provide a spectacular crowdpuller and therefore be a very interesting co-event at e.g. formal FIA racing days. You could e.g. call it the "Gentleman's Racing Class": beautifully designed and crafted sportscars, rare or even unique, to be witnessed in their spectacular natural habitat: in real-life on the track. What do you all think? Wouldn't it be great? I think it would be interesting to discuss it with other coachbuilders, small manufacturers and open class GT drivers/teams and of course with you all here on Fchat. How could the starting grid look like? Which parties would be interested to participate? Which rules to apply? Gentlemen, start your engines! Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Another example of a non-homologated sportscar that was able to race at Le Mans thanks to the GTX-class: http://www.autozine.org/959/959_8.htm Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Thanks for the info and yes that would be interesting to see such cars on the grid. So will the GTX class be part of the FIA or the ACO ? Good luck with your project and make sure to post pictures if you get to do one.
It's not only about the info, It's more that I would like to ask you all to fantasise about a new GTX-class.
I think a new GTX class would be great. What is required to start a new race class? Does the FIA have to approve it? If there is enough demand, can they deny it? Sorry... Just a lot of questions without answers...
Having read Jim is playing with the thought of developing and building a Competizione version of P4/5 and entering her in a major 24h race, I thought it would be nice to post the pics below. That would make a great sight on the LM-GTX starting grid!! Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
