2007 Ultima Can-Am GTR… a true racing car for the road

Resplendent in bright yellow, this example of Ultima’s Can-Am GTR is a true racing car for the road. Beyond the Martini-inspired racing stripes, this factory-built open-top Ultima is fitted with a 6.3-litre small-block Chevrolet V8, producing 550hp when new. Originally using a Holley Quick Fuel 850 carburettor, the unit has been upgraded in 2022 to fuel injection with the Holley Sniper Stealth system, boosting power to 620hp from the mid-mounted 1972 Chevy 396 V8. Also featuring an Accusump oil accumulator, AP Racing brakes, and Porsche 996 six-speed manual transmission, ‘FJ07 UOX’ is ready for the track. Finally, the Can-Am GTR’s track-focused credentials are rounded out by the inclusion of Protech dual-adjustment shocks, Odyssey racing battery, Ultima carbon-fibre rear wing, side scoops, and side pod storage, and new tyres fitted all-round. There are a few comfort features however, including factory-fitted air conditioning, Alcantara upholstery on the seats, dashboard, and doors, and factory Ultima mohair hood.

Having just two previous owners in its 17-year past, ‘FJ07 UOX’ is beautifully presented, and described by the vendor as in immaculate condition throughout; the engine, transmission, electrics, interior, paint, and bodywork are all rated as ‘excellent’. The odometer shows just 7,960 (unwarranted) miles, which is a very low figure, even for a model designed for occasional use, and the Can-Am GTR comes with paperwork showing £119,000 worth of build invoices.

About the Ultima

Established in 1983 by acclaimed motorsport engineer Lee Noble – who also founded Noble Automotive – the aim of the Ultima MkI, was to bring a Group C Le Mans car to the road; it was followed by the MkII, and then MkIII, before rights to the build the car were bought in 1992 by Ted and Richard Marlow who established the Ultima Sports name. Famously, two Ultima MkIIIs were used by McLaren to help develop the McLaren F1 – called Albert and Edward by engineers – one to test the gearbox and central driving position, and the other as test mule for the BMW V12 engine. 15 years later, McLaren again went to Ultima, using a GTR as a test mule for the MP4-12C’s suspension and brake systems. As indicators of engineering expertise go, there are few better. All models are designed to be supplied in kit form, though they are also available as factory-built models for the European market. The hard-top GTR went into production in 1998, before the open-top Can-Am GTR convertible was made available in 2000. Regular development continued until 2014-15, when Ultima worked on a replacement model for both the GTR and Can-Am GTR – the Evo.