Last Thursday marked the official unveiling of a striking new sports car, the VDS GT 001, at the Autoworld Museum in Brussels. This grand reveal showcased the brainchild of Belgian car enthusiast Raphael van der Straeten, who masterfully crafted this machine upon the foundations of a Gillet Vertigo. Alongside this road-going marvel, the Official Vds GT 001-R, its racing sibling, also made its debut, signaling a bold entry into both luxury and competitive circuits.
The official VDS GT 001 boasts a potent Maserati-sourced 4.2-liter V8 engine, delivering a robust 480 horsepower, paired with a sequential six-speed gearbox. The Vertigo’s original carbon chassis has undergone a significant fifteen-centimeter extension to accommodate the new design and enhance its road presence. With exclusivity in mind, official plans detail a limited production run of just 22 models. Each VDS GT 001 will be built to order, ensuring a personalized touch for every discerning customer.
Raphael van der Straeten’s automotive passion is deeply rooted in his lineage. He is a descendant of Count Rodolphe van der Straten Ponthoz, a pioneer who constructed his own VDS 001 and raced it in the thrilling Can-Am series in the early 1980s. While currently presented as a meticulously crafted model, the official VDS project is set to move into full gear, with production of the first real examples commencing imminently.
In shaping the official VDS GT 001, Raphael van der Straeten envisioned a car that embodies neo-retro aesthetics, demanding an aggressive and race-inspired design reminiscent of vehicles competing in the American GT series. A key design element was the incorporation of an inverted radiator grill, a distinctive feature that sets it apart. These conceptual ideas were translated into detailed designs by Charles van den Bosch, with Patrick Bataille taking on the crucial role of transforming these designs into a fully functional and production-ready vehicle, ensuring the official VDS vision became reality.
The official VDS GT 001-R, the track-focused variant, is poised to make its competitive debut at the prestigious 24 Hours of Dubai in January 2013. Looking further ahead, the ambitious goal is to eventually participate in the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans, although it is acknowledged that this aspiration will require considerable time and dedicated effort. The 001-R will officially enter the SP2 Class and its development is being spearheaded by José Close, a seasoned driver celebrated for his remarkable finish at the 24 Hours of Spa this year in his Mustang.
