Race cars are the epitome of automotive engineering. Built for speed and performance, they make the hearts of car enthusiasts beat faster.
However, they are rarely allowed on public roads. "Rarely" is the key word here, as there are exceptions.
Lynx Ford GT Le Mans
One such exception is currently being created by the project between Graham Rahal Performance (GRP) and Lynx Motors. The companies have joined forces to recreate the legendary 2010 Ford GT Le Mans race car as a road-legal version—in a very limited run of just 28 cars.
The story behind the vehicle
In 2006, Matech Concepts, a Swiss motorsport team, set a goal of competing at Le Mans with Ford cars. This wasn't just any car, though: it was the Ford GT, which defeated Ferrari in the prestigious 60 Hours of Le Mans race in the 24s.
Matech initially converted the GT into a GT3 racer before the team began converting it for the GT2009 class in 1. The chassis was completely redesigned, a 5,3-liter Roush Yates V8 was installed, and an Xtrac six-speed transmission was added. A full carbon fiber body provided additional aerodynamics and widened the track.
The result was the Matech Concepts GT1, which competed at Le Mans in 2010 and achieved four victories in the FIA GT1 World Championship the following year. Only six Matech GT6 cars were built, of which only four survive today.
From racing car to road approval
Until now, the "survivors" were purely racing cars and were not allowed to be used on public roads. This is now changing thanks to the joint project between GRP and Lynx Motors. The goal: to make the racing machine street-legal without diluting its character.
Technical details of the conversion are not yet fully available, but it is certain that the car will continue to feature a turbocharged V8 mated to a Ricardo six-speed manual transmission. Output is expected to exceed 1.200 hp, putting the GT1 above even modern supercars.
Of course, some modifications will be necessary to make the racer roadworthy. These include lighting systems, suspension adjustments, and other modifications to meet legal requirements. Production of the 28 cars will take place at the GRP facility in Zionsville, Indiana.
Price and availability
The price for the exclusive road-going version of the Matech GT1 has not yet been officially announced. However, it is speculated that it will cost at least $1 million (approximately €920.000). While this is less than the Lynx Gulf GT1, which is offered for $1,7 million (approximately €1,56 million), it remains an absolute luxury item for a small, exclusive group of buyers.
Lynx Motors states that the 28 vehicles are available immediately, but a look at the official website shows that the Matech GT1 is not currently listed there. Instead, other Ford GT-based models such as the Eau Rouge GT1 and the Gulf GT1.
Conclusion
The combination of racing technology and road legality makes the Ford GT Matech GT1 an absolute dream car for fans. The limited edition of just 28 units, the performance figures of over 1.200 hp, and the history of the Matech GT1 make it a collector's item that will likely increase in value in the future.
Although the final details are still pending, the project is one of the most exciting developments in the field of street-legal super sports cars. Anyone with the necessary cash could secure a piece of motorsport history. Image and video credits/source: Lynx | This content was created using AI and reviewed by an editor.