With the 1966 Sebring-winning Ford
GTX1 roadster as inspiration, Ford SVT engineering supervisor Kip Ewing
unveiled his take on that legendary racer during the opening day of the
Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show. Ewing conceived the idea
for a roadster while working on the Ford GT launch, and after completing
initial design sketches and engineering studies on his own time, he won the
privilege of utilizing the Ford’s SEMA Technology Initiative to bring the
Ford GTX1 roadster to life.
“The Ford GT has been an amazing
automotive icon that I’ve had the pleasure to work on,” said Ewing. “The X1
project is a great way to answer the question, ‘What if?’ and utilize the
power of the SEMA’s members in the aftermarket to get it done.
Ford’s SEMA Technology Initiative
began in 1999 with the sharing of technical drawings and electrical
schematics of the then-new Mustang. The program has expanded over the years
to include the majority of Ford and Lincoln Mercury vehicles and now
provides three-dimensional CAD data to aftermarket companies looking to
develop parts and accessories. As part of Ford’s initiatives to promote its
vehicles to SEMA members in the aftermarket, Ford supports a selection of
project vehicles to be built every year for the SEMA Show, and the Ford GTX1
was one of them.
The builder chosen for the project
is Mark Gerisch of Genaddi Design Group (www.vgdauto.com), an experienced
designer and metal shaper that has a history of cutting the roofs off
expensive and exotic cars. Ewing worked with Ford’s SEMA liaison team and
Ford Corporate Design to bring the OEM perspective to the project, but
working with Gerisch’s team in the aftermarket was critical for success.
“The Ford GTX1 project is a great
example of manufacturers working together with the aftermarket to stretch
the boundaries and investigate potential design and product innovation,”
says Hau Thai-Tang, director, Ford SVT and Advanced Product Creation, and
one of Ewing’s management supporters on the X1. “SEMA showcases trends in
styling, accessories, and performance, and whether it’s a new Fusion,
Mustang, F-150 or Ford GT, there is something new to be learned by going
through this process.”
The X1 roadster features an
innovative roof system of four individual hard panels. The panels can be
configured as a coupe, t-top, or full convertible. Even with all the panels
installed, the outer panels can be locked into a vent position. Plus, the
panels are painted in the same Valencia Yellow featuring Tungsten Silver
stripes; therefore, as a coupe, it doesn’t lose any of its design appeal.
And, X1 drivers won’t be caught in the rain because all four panels can be
stored inside the vehicle for easy access.
The Ford GTX1’s rear clamshell
covering the engine has been redesigned to feature two buttresses that flow
rearward from the seatbacks. Without the need for a backlight due to its
open-top configuration, the view into the engine bay could have gone away,
but Ewing knew the importance of showcasing the 550-horsepower 5.4L
supercharged V-8.
The answer to the inevitable question of “Can I buy one?” is yes. All it
will take is a trip to your local Ford dealer to purchase a Ford GT, and
then a call to Genaddi Design Group, or visit
GTX1.com. |