Category Archives: Car Shows

2006 GDT Speedster – A One-Off Corvette Creation

Posted on by
Reply

The 2006 GDT Speedster is one of those unique creations that I discovered while walking the endless rows of cars at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Fall auction. Built on a 1994 Chevrolet Corvette, this one-of-a-kind car showcases the creativity and craftsmanship of a dedicated team of automotive professionals.

Recently sold for $19,250 at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Fall 2024 collector car auction, the GDT Speedster is a fascinating experiment—but is not without its quirks and compromises. Let’s take a closer look at this polarizing creation.

A Unique Vision

The GDT Speedster—named for the Gene Dickirson Team—is the result of a group of industry veterans’ desire to build a car from scratch, free from the constraints of corporate bureaucracy. While their mission was ambitious, the execution raises questions about practicality and usability. The project, which spanned from February 2000 to November 2005, resulted in a machine that features more than 2,000 customized and one-off parts but seems to prioritize style over substance. To me, the car looks like a concept vehicle straight from an auto show.

Corvette Foundations

Beneath its radical exterior, the GDT Speedster retains the chassis, steering, suspension, and engine of a 1994 Chevrolet Corvette. No matter what it looks like, it does at least drive like a sports car. However, one can’t help but wonder if retaining the stock Corvette platform undermines the ambition to create something truly original. By leaning heavily on Corvette’s mechanicals, the Speedster may have limited its potential for innovation.

Radical Design with Questionable Practicality

The GDT Speedster’s design is undeniably striking, but it comes at the cost of practicality. Its red exterior and brown interior are eye-catching, yet the extreme raked-back windshield and lack of a top or side windows severely limit its usability. This is a car built for perfect weather and not much else.

Additionally, the absence of conventional amenities like cup holders, a glove compartment, or side mirrors feels less like a bold design choice and more like an oversight. While these omissions might enhance the car’s minimalist aesthetic, they detract from its functionality as a vehicle that can be enjoyed beyond an auto show floor.

One of the standout features of the GDT Speedster is its integrated headrest humps or fins, which are reminiscent of race cars such as the legendary Jaguar D-Type. While visually striking, these elements feel more like a nod to classic designs than an innovative addition, reinforcing the sense that the car’s creators were more focused on aesthetics than breaking new ground.

A Labor of Love or an Exercise in Excess?

Creating the GDT Speedster was no small feat. Over five years, the team meticulously engineered every detail, from its bespoke bodywork to its entirely reimagined interior. However, the end result feels like a vehicle caught between two worlds: it’s neither a fully functional sports car nor a groundbreaking concept. Instead, it exists as a curious hybrid that struggles to find its purpose.

The Price of Exclusivity

When the GDT Speedster crossed the auction block at Barrett-Jackson, it hammered for $19,250. While this might seem like a bargain for a one-of-a-kind car, the price also reflects the reality that its appeal is limited. For all its bespoke craftsmanship, the Speedster remains a niche vehicle that may struggle to find a broader audience, even among Corvette purists.

Final Thoughts

The 2006 GDT Speedster is a bold experiment that deserves credit for its ambition, but it’s not without its flaws. Its striking looks and handcrafted details make it a standout, but its practicality leaves something to be desired. For the winning bidder, the GDT Speedster represents a fascinating piece of automotive history—albeit one that may be more at home in a collection than on the open road.

1991 GEO Dirt Tracker Concept Vehicle

Posted on by
Reply

With so much nostalgia online for the 1980s and 1990s, here’s one only the real ones will remember: the GEO automotive brand. GEO was a short-lived partnership between General Motors and three Japanese automakers: Toyota, Isuzu, and Suzuki. Sales were discontinued in the U.S. after just eight years.

One of the better-selling GEO models was the Tracker, a mini SUV that initially was a four-wheel drive vehicle, with a two-wheel drive model introduced later.

The cars were equipped with a wheezy 1.6-liter engine that coughed out about 96 horsepower on a good day. While the Tracker was light and nimble, it was very underpowered.

Jon Moss was the head of GM’s Special Vehicle Group. They cooked up a one-off concept called the GEO Dirt Tracker. The original 95 horsepower engine was replaced with a 3.4-liter L32 V6 engine from the Chevrolet Camaro making 200 horsepower.
Coupled to this is a 4-speed automatic transmission, and an all-wheel drive transfer case from an Oldsmobile Bravada.

What they created is a capable off-roader that can sprint from 0 to 60 in 8.5 seconds. The vehicle was reviewed by Motor Trend Magazine in August 1996, and they praised the Dirt Tracker, calling it a “well-finished machine that presents some tantalizing possibilities for a toughened Tracker image.”

Well, GEO ceased production in North America by 1998 and the remaining models were sold as Chevrolets. The Dirt Tracker was to only be a one-off concept vehicle and not a production model.

This 1-of-1 concept car recently appeared at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Fall 2024 auction with just 1,365 miles on it. Barrett-Jackson is one of the only places you can see and bid on concept vehicles like this one!

This unique car sold for $12,100, including the buyer’s premium.

What are your thoughts on the GEO Dirt Tracker?

Barrett-Jackson’s Inaugural Scottsdale Fall Auction A Smash Success

Posted on by
Reply

Demand from both buyers and sellers has been pushing the collector car market to new highs in recent years. In January 2024, Barrett-Jackson filled all of their consignment slots in record time. This prompted the Arizona-based auction company to launch a new Scottsdale Fall auction, which took place Oct. 10-13, 2024.

The new Scottsdale Fall auction was a smash success, any way you look at it. The catalog featured 794 vehicles and more than 400 pieces of collectible memorabilia over the three-day auction.

Collector Car Sales

Collector car sales were strong, with a 99% sell-through rate and total sales of more than $55 million. American muscle cars from the 1960s-1990s dominated the catalog, with many examples of Mustangs and Corvettes on offer.

Auction Atmosphere

The Scottsdale Fall auction had a different feel than the larger January auction. For one thing, it felt weird to be at Westworld when it was hot outside. The temperature was noticeably warmer in October than in January.

There were about half as many cars as there were during the January auction, which was also noticeable.

Finally, the crowds were smaller, especially during the daytime on Thursday and Friday. I enjoyed the auction event more with fewer people present, which meant shorter lines for food. However, many of the food vendors were not open on Thursday and Friday, leaving fewer options to choose from.

Bugatti Chiron Falls Short of the Reserve Price

One of the star vehicles consigned to sell was a 2018 Bugatti Chiron hypercar, formerly owned by Super Middleweight boxing champion of the world, Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez. The 34-year-old fighter has a collection of 10+ supercars and muscle cars as well as several motorcycles.

The Chiron was previously listed with DuPont Registry in 2022 with an asking price of $3.9 million and showing 1,520 miles on the odometer. In late 2024, the auction listing stated 1,668 miles. That works out to just 148 miles driven during the last two years – truly a garage queen.

The car features an 8.0 liter W16 engine with four turbochargers, producing a staggering 1,479 horsepower and 1,180 ft-lbs of torque. The car can dash from 0-60 mph in 2.5 seconds and achieve a top speed of 261 mph.

Barrett-Jackson does not do appraisals for auction cars. Bidding for the Chiron started at $250,000 and quickly jumped up past a million dollars. The high bid was $2.3 million which did not meet the reserve price, and the car did not sell. Several months earlier in January, Barrett-Jackson sold a different 2018 Chiron for $2.97 million. I was disappointed that this one did not sell, as I would have liked to see a new owner for this incredible car.

Sammy Hagar Sets a Record for Ferrari LaFerrari

Another featured car that crossed the block on Super Saturday was the 2015 Ferrari LaFerrari owned by rocker Sammy Hagar.

The car is one of just 499 units built, and the only one finished in a cream exterior color with cream-colored seats over a black interior.

The car was originally consigned to sell at the January 2024 auction but was removed so that the car’s hybrid battery pack could be replaced. The work was completed at Ferrari of San Francisco during the summer. Unofficial sources online put the cost of the replacement battery pack at approximately $30,000, though the repair cost was not mentioned in the listing.

With an original MSRP of $1.5 million, the LaFerrari has appreciated rapidly, with a median sale price of $3.3 million in recent years. On Super Saturday, October 12th, Sammy Hagar’s Ferrari hammered for a record $4,250,000 or $4,675,000 including the buyer’s premium.

Get Ready for the Next Event

While the Scottsdale Fall auction has ended, the Arizona-based auction company is already gearing up for the next event, January 18-26, 2025. Follow Generation High Output for more updates.

SEMA 2023: 1966 Chevrolet Nova ReNOVAtor by The Custom Shop

Posted on by
Reply

I have featured The Custom Shop in Flanagan, Illinois before on this site, so I was pleased to see a new custom car build from them at the 2023 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

In the North Hall at the SONY car audio booth was this bright red ’66 Chevy Nova called “ReNOVAtor.” Though the car is almost 60 years old, you would not guess that based on its appearance! From every angle, the car looked stunning.
The Custom Shop has pulled off several tricks with this build that set them apart from the crowd. First, most of the chrome is blacked out, which I think makes for a very cool look. Second, the car has been completely upgraded to modern day with LED taillights, a digital dash, and a carbon fiber driveshaft.

I was surprised when I peeked under the hood and saw a small block Chevrolet engine under the hood, NOT an LS engine! The Hixson-built 427 SBC makes an estimated 750 hp at 8500 rpm. The engine choice is unique when every other builder has the same GM crate engine under the hood these days.

The engine has a Holley EFI setup with Imagine Injection stacks. It flows through a set of Hooker headers into a Pypes stainless steel exhaust with cutouts for when you want that extra sound.
This Nova features a full flip cowl hood, which is a neat touch that once again sets this car apart from other builds. The moldings have been shaved and the firewall, trunk floor and belly pan have all been smoothed.

Up front, the laser cut grille has sort of a stock car vibe, and I’m not sure how I feel about it on this car. The LED headlights are a big improvement over the stock ones.

The interior is a complete renovation as well, with the Holley EFI digital dashboard taking center stage in the instrument cluster. The LED accent lights look cool, and illuminate the floor-mounted brake pedal. The interior is from TMI Upholstery and features Apex leather on the seats and door panels. And of course, it has a bangin’ Sony stereo system!

The Custom Shop has done it once again with their ’66 Nova “ReNOVAtor” and created a restomod car that their client is sure to love.

SEMA 2023: 1969 Pontiac GTO by Detroit Speed

Posted on by
Reply

Founded in 2002 by Kyle Tucker, Detroit Speed and Engineering has grown into a manufacturer of performance suspension parts and kits for American muscle cars and trucks. Indeed, it seems that every other car at SEMA has some part on it made by DSE.

But the Mooresville, North Carolina company does more than just make parts – they are alsoa full hot rod shop that does custom cars for clients. At the 2023 SEMA Show, DSE showed off this gorgeous 1969 Pontiac GTO restomod owned by actor and comedian Kevin Hart.
The Detroit Speed website has 6 galleries of build photos of this car, and they are well worth a look. This is an all-star build using the best components available.

The A-body chassis has been upgraded with a Detroit Speed X-Gen 595 suspension up front and a custom DSE QuadraLink suspension in the rear. Ride comfort is achieved through JRi adjustable coilover shocks at all four corners.

The GTO rides on a set of HRE Wheels “Valkyrja” that measure 20×9.5 up front and 20×12 in the rear. They are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4s tires. The wheels look great with gold spokes behind the polished lip.
When it comes to performance, the original GTO was no slouch! It was offered with a 350-horsepower or 360 horsepower engine back in 1969, and could hit 370 horsepower with the Ram Air IV option package. This GTO has been upgraded with a Chevrolet Performance LT5 6.2L supercharged crate engine producing a whopping 755 horsepower! It is coupled to a Bowler Performance T-56 six-speed manual gearbox with a Hurst shifter. It’s more than you could have imagined back in 1969.

Additional performance upgrades include a Holley premium mid mount accessory drive system, Baer disc brakes with massive 15″ R-Spec rotors and Baer XRT 6-piston calipers, and an aluminum battery mount from DSE.

The team at Detroit Speed spent a lot of time getting the body of the car just right. Nearly every panel has been modified including the front and rear bumpers, hood, front valence, spoiler, and much more! The car was painted in Mercedes Mystic Brown Metallic, which is a unique choice. I know it doesn’t fully come across in pictures, but it really looks great in person.
The car’s stunning custom interior was the work of Avant-Garde Design in Palm City, Florida. The car received a full interior treatment with Recaro Specialist seats upholstered in two tone white and brown to match the exterior of the car. Additional driver comforts include an Ididit steering column, Classic Instruments Gauges, and a VintageAir GenIV HVAC system for heating and air conditioned comfort.

The car is a real head-turner and great showcase of the top-tier work that Detroit Speed and Engineering and their partners are capable of.

Check out the 1969 GTO build gallery: https://www.detroitspeed.com/blog/post/kevin_s_gto_assembly_and_fitment/

SEMA 2023: 1949 Chevrolet 3100 Pickup NautiD by Weaver Customs

Posted on by
Reply

The Las Vegas Convention Center encompasses more than 4.6 million square feet of floor space spread across multiple buildings. When the SEMA Convention comes to town, they occupy the entire facility. To say that the SEMA Show is big is an understatement. It is so big that it’s hard to see everything, even over multiple days.

If you spend all of your time in the convention halls, you might miss a great vehicle in one of the outdoor displays. At the 2023 SEMA Show, I saw this amazing custom Chevy pickup truck in the Adam’s Polishes booth in front of the Central Hall.

The truck is a 1949 Chevrolet 3100 pickup nicknamed “NautiD.” The truck was built by Weaver Customs in West Jordan, Utah.
The crisp body lines of the “Advance Design” styling really come through in this truck, which has shaved trim, drip rails, wipers, and mirrors. The non-metallic gray color is also eye catching, which is actually Axalta Chalk Grey. I spent a few minutes admiring the truck up close.

The truck has a ton of custom touches including a custom bed, flush mount glass, shaved and smoothed body, and a restyled front and rear end. There are more than 100 custom billet machined pieces on the truck.
Under the hood, the original straight-6 engine has been replaced with a 6.6-liter Duramax LLM diesel engine with twin turbochargers! This is coupled to an Allison 6-speed transmission. A custom Flowmaster exhaust keeps the power flowing smoothly. The Duramax engine is an interesting choice for a build, but it fits the spirit of the truck as a workhorse.

The custom-built chassis has an independent front suspension with a 4-link rear suspension with Ridetech components. A narrowed 9-inch rear end puts the power to the rear wheels. Speaking of which, the wheels are one-off designed which are 18×8 in the front and 20×12 in the rear with Michelin tires.

The interior has a minimalist design aesthetic blended with modern amenities. The truck has air conditioning, a Kicker stereo, power windows, and even 2 cup holders in the center console. A pair of custom Dakota Digital gauges provide essential information to the driver. The interior was done by Innovation Custom Interiors in Ogden, Utah who wrapped the seats and console in Guinness Hydes leather.

This Chevy 3100 is a 74 year old truck that has been completely reimagined with modern power, handling, and amenities. With this full restoration and upgrade, I’d say the truck is ready to take on the next 70 years and beyond.

Be sure to give them a follow @weavercustoms on Facebook and Instagram.