2006 Ford GTX1 Preview

The star of Fords stand - and most likely the showstopper at the SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) aftermarket parts show in Las Vegas, Nevada - is Fords gorgeous GTX1.

This new roadster which is nothing short of incredible, builds on two of the biggest automotive legends - the Euro supercar-beating Ford GT, with inspiration coming from its predecessor, the original 1966 Ford GTX1, an open-topped variant of the legendary Ferrari-conquering GT40 racecar of the mid to late 60s, which won Le Mans and the 24 Hours of Sebring.

To create the modern day GTX1, Ford essentially let its SVT (Special Vehicles Team) dream. After penning what an open topped version of the modern-retro GT, they passed batons to Genaddi Design Group, one of North Americas premiere customization firms. Genaddi, a modern coachwork firm, specializes in automotive metalworking and are know particularly for their creation of exotic convertibles and limousines.

In the hands of Mark Gerisch, one of the firms bodywork experts, the Valencia Yellow and Tungsten Silver GT was transformed from sleek hard top to open top roadster. Unlike common conversions, the GTX1 doesnt incorporate a soft top, but uses a four-piece roof made of lightweight composites that can be installed as either a hardtop or a T-top, or for that matter completely removed to create the sensation of a true "barchetta" like open convertible.

A few of the GT Coupes design attributes actually aided in the modification process for the convertible. Firstly, the door design of the coupe, which cuts into the roof structure for easier entry and exit, functions as the T-top. Secondly, the integrated rear pillars have been converted to form individual buttresses, aiding in the aerodynamics of the vehicle while resulting in a remarkably draft-free cabin at speed - according to Ford.

With the conversion also comes a modified version of the rear-hinged clamshell hood. Without a sloping rear glass panel, Fords SVT integrated a small clear window into the rear decklid in order to showcase the supercharged 550-horse powerplant. Without any tonneau cover or structural modifications to accommodate a folding roof, all four panels are carried onboard inside the vehicles cabin. This ensures that a surprise rain shower wont leave driver and passenger drenched.

In line with the aftermarket theme, the convertible conversion isnt the only thing that the GTX1 sports. Ford and Sony have teamed up to launch the new Xplod MEX-1GP head unit, which provides up to 1 GB of MP3 or WMA music files via flash memory. Also new are the wheels, designed by 6061 Alloy Corp., measuring 19 inches in front and 20 inches in the rear. Theyre wrapped in Pirellis finest high-performance rubber, the P-Zero Rosso.

Unlike most vehicles shown at the SEMA show, the GTX1 is something that buyers can actually purchase. Current owners of the GT can have their vehicles converted for the sum of $38,000. This, of course, is provided that you already own a Ford GT. And if you dont have your set of keys, they too can be purchased for $151,000. With the recent trend of open-topped supercars, the Ford GTX1 puts Ford in a position to compete with the recently introduced Ferrari F430 Spyder and Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder.

No doubt, Fords long history in all forms of motorsport, combined with some street legal innovation, has made its 2005 booth the must-see destination of this years SEMA event.