Dreams Do Come True: Galpin's GTR-1

December 12, 2013
Story By
Tim Sutton

I think every young boy had a picture of a Lamborghini or Ferrari hanging in his room when I grew up. It was one of those things kids of the time thought was cool and awesome - or maybe it was the bikini model glistening in sweat draped over the car. Either way, we felt like we were getting away with something by hanging that picture in our rooms. Back then I didn’t know what a “supercar” was and I probably didn’t realize that the Lambo was from Italy - but I knew one thing for sure…she was fast (the car of course, not the girl).

As I got older and wiser, I found out that super cars mostly hailed from Europe and that my vision of having one all my own probably wouldn't fall within my pay scale.

In the world of supercars, Europe still wears the crown. The US has more muscle than we know what to do with, but when it comes to the finesse of a supercar, I guess it’s just not in our nature. When we want to make a supercar, we generally turn to Europe for its body (such as the Scaglietti Corvette).

Evenutally the US successfully created a supercar in the Ford GT40. The GT40 went on to do what it was designed to do, beat Ferrari and win LeMans (not once, not twice, but four consecutive wins – 1966-1969). From there, LeMans racers became more purpose built as opposed to “Grand Touring” and the GT40 slipped out of LeMans winner’s circle.

Fast forward 40 some years and the GT was being brought back to production. Having such a huge following, people were quickly put on waiting lists while limited numbers of these new Ford GTs were produced. The US supercar was back…new and improved. If you are lucky enough to own one, either a GT40 or Ford GT, then you're one in a million.

What we’re looking at today however is one of one. It’s what the Ford GT would have looked like if it stayed in production all those years ago. The Galpin GTR-1 is the Ford’s more exotic, hotter, and more experienced older sister. Galpin Fords, home of “Galpinizing” and vehicle customizations, has produced their first ever coach built supercar.

The GTR-1 is like the original GT40 on steroids - boasting over 1000 HP and 700+ ft. pounds of torque bellowing from its twin turbo 5.4-liter Ford v8. For the most part, its drivetrain is identical to the Ford GT apart from the turbochargers and intercoolers.

A fully balanced vehicle, unlike your dad’s old farm truck, she turns on a dime, makes you some change and sticks to the street like glue. It’s a 3000 lb. car balancing out its weight at 51/49.

Restyled not only for looks, but for function. Five inches were added to the overall width at Galpin’s design table to give it a more aggressive appearance and help with handling.

The GTR-1’s aluminum body was constructed by concept car builders at Metalcrafters in Fountain Valley, California.

To get the whole girl to stop, the GTR-1 is equipped with an amazing set of carbon-carbon discs with six-piston Brembo calipers in front and four in the rear.

There’s no denying that there’s a lot of bang there. Oh, and did I mention…the GTR-1 can also be ordered in all carbon fiber! -Tim Sutton

Dreams Do Come True: Galpin's GTR-1

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