Rare ONES - When you think of supercars, Belgium may not be the first country that comes to mind. However, that perception changed with the introduction of the VDS GT 001. This remarkable supercar, with its roots in Belgian design and craftsmanship, brings a sense of pride to the country. It’s based on a Maserati V8 engine, and its story is one of passion and heritage, blending the power of Italian engineering with Belgian ingenuity.
The VDS GT 001 embodies passion and heritage, brought to life by Van der Straten, merging Italian engineering power with Belgian creativity. (Picture from: Supercars.net)
At the heart of this creation is Raphaël van der Straten, a man with deep ties to racing. For years, Van der Straten's family name has been synonymous with motorsports, and through VDS Racing Adventures, he continued the legacy of competitive racing. He had long dreamed of creating his own supercar, and in 2012, that dream became a reality with the VDS GT 001. The car was unveiled to much anticipation, marking a significant moment in Belgium’s automotive history.
The VDS GT 001 was built on the foundation of the Gillet Vertigo .5 Spirit. The partnership between Van der Straten and Tony Gillet, the mastermind behind the Gillet brand, played a crucial role in making this car a reality. While the initial plan was to incorporate the existing Vertigo chassis, Van der Straten’s vision required something more bespoke. Gillet modified the carbon fiber chassis, creating a new, extended version to meet the specific needs of the VDS GT 001. This wasn’t just about creating another car—it was about crafting something unique that reflected Van der Straten’s personal touch and racing experience.
The rear, with its modern diffuser and neo-retro lights, blends contemporary design with nostalgic cues, making the VDS GT 001 a car that feels both timeless and cutting-edge.(Picture from: Supercars.net)
The design of the VDS GT 001 pays homage to classic American muscle cars, particularly the Ford Mustangs once owned and raced by Van der Straten's grandfather. His admiration for the aggressive, bold styling of Mustangs inspired elements of the GT 001’s design. The wide grille, circular headlights, and side vents all give a nod to the iconic 1970 Boss 302 Mustang. The rear, with its modern diffuser and neo-retro lights, blends contemporary design with nostalgic cues, making the GT 001 a car that feels both timeless and cutting-edge.
The VDS GT 001-R, the competition variant, made its debut at the 24-Hours of Dubai in 2013, showcasing the Belgian automaker's commitment to blending style with substance. (Picture from: Supercars.net)
Raphaël’s journey to bring the VDS GT 001 to life was not without its challenges. From the initial sketches by Charles van den Bosch to the full-scale model created by Patrick Bataille, the development of this car was a labor of love. Every detail, from the exhaust placement to the grille design, was carefully considered. Van der Straten was deeply involved in the process, working closely with Gillet and his team to ensure that the final product matched his vision.
The VDS GT 001 (shown here in its competition variant) combines striking aesthetics with speed, featuring a carbon fiber body and a 480-horsepower Maserati V8 engine, making it a true powerhouse. (Picture from: Supercars.net)
The VDS GT 001 isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s also built for speed. With a carbon fiber body and a Maserati V8 engine producing 480 horsepower, the car is a force to be reckoned with. Weighing only 990 kilograms thanks to its lightweight materials, it promises exceptional performance on both the road and the track. Raphaël van der Straten’s plans to create 22 road-going versions of the VDS GT 001 and to race the competition variant, the VDS GT 001-R, at the 24-Hours of Dubai in 2013 demonstrate his commitment to combining style with substance.
The VDS GT 001 (shown here in its competition variant) was the automaker's lifelong dream realized, marking Belgium’s entry into high-performance sports cars. (Picture from: Supercars.net)
This car isn’t just a symbol of Belgian pride; it’s a testament to the enduring passion for racing that runs through the Van der Straten family. For Raphaël, it’s the realization of a lifelong dream, and for Belgium, it’s a step into the world of high-performance sports cars. | UdqKyPkUcl0 |
The VDS GT 001 marks a significant moment not only for Van der Straten but also for Belgium as a whole. It's a car that challenges the notion of what a supercar should be and where it can come from. With its sleek design, powerful engine, and racing pedigree, the VDS GT 001 is a reminder that dreams, when combined with determination and skill, can lead to extraordinary achievements. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | VDS RACING ADVENTURES | SUPERCARS.NET | ULTIMATECARPAGE ]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
The VDS GT 001 marks a significant moment not only for Van der Straten but also for Belgium as a whole. It's a car that challenges the notion of what a supercar should be and where it can come from. With its sleek design, powerful engine, and racing pedigree, the VDS GT 001 is a reminder that dreams, when combined with determination and skill, can lead to extraordinary achievements. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | VDS RACING ADVENTURES | SUPERCARS.NET | ULTIMATECARPAGE ]
