At first glance, there isn’t much mystery surrounding this low, wide supercar. The headlights, windshield, doors, and unmistakable overall silhouette all point toward Ford’s celebrated 2005–2006 GT.
Look closer, however, and things start getting unusual. The body is substantially wider, the stance is far more aggressive, and underneath the familiar shape sits hardware that didn’t come from Ford’s production line.
The story traces back to David and Andrea Robertson’s privateer Ford GT racing program, which competed at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Their effort eventually helped inspire a component car that could combine the appearance of a Ford GT with purpose-built racing hardware underneath.
Autotopia LA recently took a closer look at one particularly elaborate example. Built by H Craft Customs around a Superlite GT-R platform, this street-legal creation takes the original concept much further.
It Isn’t Actually A Ford GT Underneath
The Superlite GT-R could be purchased as a roller, leaving builders to choose the engine, interior, and other components themselves. Its bodywork traces its origins to molds associated with the Robertson racing program, but the chassis, cockpit structure, and suspension underneath are fundamentally different from a production Ford GT.
This particular car is eight inches wider at both ends and uses extensively adjustable race-derived suspension. It also has manual brakes with racing calipers and pads, an adjustable front sway bar, functional aerodynamic elements, and a substantial integrated roll structure.
There are still genuine Ford GT pieces scattered throughout. All of the glass comes from the 2005–2006 GT, while items including the fog lights and various styling details help preserve the factory car’s appearance.
Its 5.2-Liter V8 Revs To 7,800 RPM
The biggest departure sits behind the cabin. Instead of the supercharged 5.4-liter V8 found in the original Ford GT, this build runs a naturally aspirated 5.2-liter Ford Performance Aluminator XS V8.
According to the builders, it produces around 580 horsepower and revs to 7,800 rpm. A reverse-mounted intake plenum was developed for the installation, while the central exhaust exits through the rear bodywork.
Autotopia LA notes that the car weighs roughly 400–500 pounds less than a production Ford GT. Combined with the high-revving naturally aspirated engine, that should give it a very different personality from the supercharged factory car.
The Cabin Mixes Ford GT Style With Race-Car Hardware
Inside, the inspiration is obvious without attempting to perfectly duplicate the original. The instrument layout resembles the Ford GT’s, but H Craft fabricated its own dashboard and center console while adding a GT350 steering wheel and adjustable Tilton pedal assembly.
Even with its motorsport hardware, the car was deliberately built to function on the street. During Autotopia LA’s drive, it was described as noticeably stiffer and more responsive than the production GT without feeling like an uncompromising track-only machine.
The car is also about to find a new owner. Its current owner, Dave Robertson, confirmed that this unusual Superlite GT-R will soon be offered for sale on Bring a Trailer — giving someone the opportunity to buy a Ford GT look-alike that’s an entirely different animal underneath.