Vandenbrink GTO

Vandenbrink GTO by Vandenbrink Design

The Vandenbrink GTO is a limited re-bodied version of the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano. This means an entirely new coachwork, designed by Michiel van den Brink, is fitted on the stripped chassis and drivetrain of a Ferrari 599 GTB production car. The car's styling is inspired by the 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO as a tribute.

In 2006 Michiel van den Brink and Robert Koumans decided [ [http://www.pistonheads.com/doc.asp?c=52&i=15465 Pistonheads interview] ] to join the revival of special coachbuilding after Fisker Coachbuild introduced their Latigo and Tramonto models and Zagato, Giugiaro and Pininfarina one by one introduced their special coachbuilt Ferraris. [ [http://www.luxury-insider.com/Regulars/Reviews_and_Commentary/Coachbuilding/index.aspx The fine art of Special Coachbuilding] ] Michiel made an artist impression of a modern-day GTO, which was well received by the press. [ [http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/21/autoblogs-top-10-coachbuilt-supercars/ Autoblog.com: Top 10 coachbuilt supercars] ] Reactions were so overwhealming [ [http://www.autotrader.co.uk/EDITORIAL/CARS/news/34360.html Autotrader: sexiest Ferrari?] ] that they decided to develop the design and build it. [ [http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/24/vandenbrink-599-gto-will-be-built-but-not-by-ferrari/ Autoblog.com: Vandenbrink 599 GTO will be built] ]

The new coachworks are handcrafted in aluminium by Dutch classic car restoration specialist and coachbuilder Alwin Hietbrink. Optional interior upholstery is hand-stitched by the Dutch Henk van Lith.

In cooperation with race engineer EDO Competition two versions are offered:

- the 599 GTO (5998 cc / 650 hp / 630 Nm)

- the high performance 630 GTO (6300 cc / 750 hp / 680 Nm).

Only 5 GTO's will be built.

References

External links

* [http://www.vandenbrinkdesign.com Vandenbrink Design - Official website]
* [http://www.coachbuild.com/index.php?option=com_gallery2&Itemid=50&g2_itemId=180 Vandenbrink GTO @ coachbuild.com]
* [http://www.evo.co.uk/news/evonews/212238/599based_gto_is_go.html Evo: 599-based GTO is go!]
* [http://www.topgear.com/content/news/stories/1889/ Top Gear "Beyond the 'brink"]
* [http://www.tendancehightech.com/blog/index.php?2006/10/03/327-vandenbrink-design-ferrari-599-gto-mugello-concept Vandenbrink Design, Ferrari 599 GTO Mugello Concept]
* [http://www.supercars.net/cars/3818.html Vandenbrink 599 GTO]
* [http://www.sportauto-online.de/multimedia/fotostrecken/aktuell_und_sport/mpsfshw_show_501629_14466.hbs Sport-Auto Aktuell und Sport Vandenbrink GTO]