Ford GT GT3 Conversion

[Peter Lombardo]

Most of you guys probably saw the Viper ACRX race car and the Audi R8 GT3 I just completed. I mentioned that I was planning to build both the Corvette ZR1 and the Ford GT into GT3 type race cars.

I have begun the Ford GT so I thought I would post my progress report on it. This is the third Ford GT I have built. A few years ago I converted one into the aftermarket roadster variant of the car and did a straight up coupe build too. Both have opening doors, hoods and trunks.

For this variation on the car, I also planed on opening up the areas of the car that would open on the real car, only this time I will only hinge the doors…..the hood and trunk will be made to lift off, as the real race cars do.

I started with a pre painted version of the Polar Lights 2005 Food GT kit. This is the last one I have and the fact that it is pre painted is strictly coincidence. This is a pretty nice kit considering it is a snap together kit and the plastic body is rather thick, so opening up the panels is not an easy task. I took my time and got it all opened up, I am glad this is the last Ford GT kit that I have to cut apart.

Here you can see the passenger side door cut away and the truck hood removed.

Here you can see the front fender extensions being fit. I added a strip of styrene to the inside of the wheel wells which was glued into place. Next the fender extensions were glued on and then puttied in place.

Next I added the lower rocker panel extensions which flow into the rear wheel well flares.

I added a chin extension to the nose of the car which will be covered in carbon fiber decals and small struts will be added.

The engine bay will be detailed as per the reference shots I have and I am building the fuel tank for under the front hood.

Now the version I am building is a phantom version because I am adding the body modifications I like, which is a combination of a few different cars and the paint scheme will be unique to this Ford GT race car. There are a lot of great looking Ford GT race cars out there but I am going to do this one as a Red Bull sponsored team car.

Red Bull is very protective of their markings and logo’s. They, I have been told, demand tremendous, yes even copious amounts of cash to use there logos for a commercial endeavor. I have never seen them available from even an aftermarket supplier. So I have challenged myself, and my brother, who has the hard and software to accomplish this, to the creation of Red Bull decals for this car. I am painting it Tamiya Dark Metallic Blue with the light blue and silver pointed striping and the red bulls with the large yellow sun. Red Bull sponsors two cars in NASCAR and a team in F1, along with a full variety of other types of racing, both on and above ground…..so why wouldn’t they sponsor a GT3 car too? They will soon! Stay tuned!

[jeffs396]

This is shaping up to be yet another sweet ride Peter!

[RodneyBad]

You are the Master of Imagination and a Master of building.

I Enjoy your builds like I enjoy breathing..

If ya need any spare parts, I know I got one of those handie.

[djway3474]

This is very cool and I will be watching with great interest. I built a fantasy racer from that kit but I did not go as far as this. Making me want to do another!

[randx0]

There is an italerie truck kit that comes with a motorcyle that has red bull decals. I will see if I can locate them and see if there are any usable for a race car.by the way great build I look forward to seeing more .

[Clay]

Great work as always Peter.

[Tony T]

Fantastic start. You are putting together a "fabulous fantom" GT3 starting grid!!