Ferrer GT: Pioneering America’s Kit Car Revolution

Forgotten ONES - The legacy of the Ford GT40 continues to impress, both on the racetrack and in the world of car enthusiasts. When it was first introduced, the Ford GT40 set the racing world ablaze, challenging rivals like Ferrari and making its mark as a performance icon. It wasn’t just its track performance that left an impression; the GT40's impact reached far beyond, influencing generations of car lovers and even sparking a wave of replicas in the kit car industry. It’s no surprise that such an influential car became a template for various recreations over the years, with one of the notable examples being the Ferrer GT.

The Ferrer GT quickly caught the public attention when it was showcased at the Miami Auto Show in 1966. (Picture from: LorenaGT)

The Ferrer GT was a fascinating tribute to the Ford GT40, utilizing Volkswagen parts and embodying a design that clearly took inspiration from the Ford supercar. In the world of kit cars, the Ferrer GT stood out, especially during an era when such cars were becoming rare treasures. For many car enthusiasts, finding a kit car from the late 1960s or 1970s is like discovering a hidden gem. They are not just rare—they are often considered ultra-rare, a fact that becomes even more evident when you consider cars like the Bradley GT or the various models from Fiberfab. These vehicles hold a special place in the hearts of their owners, who see them as more than just cars; they are pieces of automotive history.

The Ferrer GT was a captivating homage to the Ford GT40, incorporating Volkswagen parts and featuring a design inspired by the Ford supercar. (Picture from: AllCarIndex)

The Ferrer GT was more than just a good-looking vehicle; it was a project that reflected the passion of its creators. The car’s story began as a father-and-son endeavor, with Frank Joseph Ferrer and his son Gary taking on the challenge of building something unique. Frank, who owned Ferrer Aviation Inc., a crash aircraft recovery company based in Miami, worked alongside his son to create a car that would become a part of their family legacy. In 1965, the Ferrers purchased two Fiberfab Aztec bodies but weren’t satisfied with their design. Determined to create something better, they set out to build their own car, using the Aztec as a base while drawing design elements from the Ford GT40 and Porsche 904.

The process of building a Ferrer GT sports car at the Hialeah factory in 1965. (Picture from: LorenaGT)

With the help of fiberglass expert Dick Buckheit, Frank and Gary completed their creation in just eight months. Initially named the Ferrer GT 50, the car eventually became known simply as the Ferrer GT. Although the Ferrers had originally built the car for their personal use, it quickly caught the attention of others when it was showcased at the Miami Auto Show in 1966, even had time to be in the paddock of the "Daytona 24 Hour Continental" test. 

The Ferrer GT while sat in dispaly at the 1966 New York Show. (Picture from: LorenaGT)

This unexpected interest led to a series of orders, and soon, the Ferrer Motors Corporation was born. Based in Hialeah, Florida, the company began producing the Ferrer GT between 1966 and 1967, although the exact number of cars produced remains uncertain. Some sources claim 103 bodies were made, while others suggest only 11 were completed.

The Ferrer GT featured a fiberglass body, with reinforcements made of iron placed between two layers of fiberglass, ensuring both strength and durability. (Picture from: AllCarIndex)

The Ferrer GT’s journey didn’t end in the United States. It is believed that the Ferrer family also established a car business in Brazil, where they produced the Lorena GT. Built on the Volkswagen Fusca 1300 platform and powered by a Volkswagen 1600 engine, the Lorena GT was another sports coupé that left its mark on the automotive scene. Between 1968 and 1971, around 100 units were produced, with 22 completed by the factory and the remaining bodies assembled by independent builders.

The Lorena GT, known as a Brazilian-made sports coupé that was originally produced as direct derivative of the Ferrer GT sports car of an American company Ferrer Motors Corporation. (Picture from: Carro 2.04)

What made the Ferrer GT special wasn’t just its unique design but also its impressive build quality. The car featured a fiberglass body, with reinforcements made of iron placed between two layers of fiberglass, ensuring both strength and durability. Weighing in at 634 kilos, the Ferrer GT was a lightweight, well-crafted car that could be purchased in various configurations. The complete car was sold for $3,400, while the basic kit cost $990, and the luxury kit was priced at $1,600. Though the exact number of Ferrer GTs produced is still debated, there is no doubt that the car left a lasting impression on those lucky enough to own one.

Today, the Ferrer GT is remembered as a remarkable part of kit car history, a tribute to the passion and creativity of Frank and Gary Ferrer. Although the company was eventually dissolved in 1973, its legacy lives on through the Ferrer GT and the stories of those who helped bring it to life. This project wasn't just about building a car; it was about family, innovation, and the pursuit of something greater, qualities that continue to inspire car enthusiasts to this day. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | LORENAGT | FIBERCLASSICS.ORG | BARNFINDS | ALLCARINDEX ]

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