Ultima GTR: PH Carpool
Ultima has launched a new car; here's the view from a very satisfied owner of the existing one
Car: Ultima GTR
Owned since: Last May
Previously owned: "Not necessarily in the right order; Saab 900 Turbo. Porsche 911 Targa SC, two BMW M3s, Porsche GT2, Audi RS6, various company Fords, BMW X5 (what was I thinking?), Audi TT FSI, Audi A6 BiTurbo Avant (current daily wheels), BMW 535d Touring, BMW 335d Touring, BMW 335i. I also started racing Class 1 Superkarts in 1987, Formula E Karts (250cc twin Rotax six- speed - did 162mph on this at the Osterreichring must have been nuts), retired in 1996 then bought a Radical in 1998 and raced until 2003 with some success in the British and European Championship. I then bought a road legal Radical SR3 (wish I had never sold it)."
Where do you go after racing Radicals? Here!
"Wanted a special car that ticked the road-going bit, and didn't need a crash helmet (Radical SR3 road legal) and the track day bit and looked the DB's. Also wanted something I could add too and make my own. I was going to build one but was talked out of it by the PistonHeads Ultima Forum. Found it on PistonHeads classified in Oxford and it had been built to a very high standard and was in mint condition."
What I wish I'd known:
"I'm glad I bought a low mileage used one first but would still like to build one to my own spec with the knowledge I have built up in ownership and by following the forum. Setting the car up with good manners needs a bit of work. In basic form it is a raw tool (some like it that way) but I want it, especially the controls, similar to a production car so you can concentrate on the driving. Believe me you need to concentrate."
Just as well it's basic - "You need to concentrate!"
"Everything! From it being easy to drive around town with the fuel-injected 7.0-litre V8 starting first time, to the raw acceleration when you feed in the power. The looks you get, they must be all over Facebook. The pure pleasure of driving something completely different and off the wall. Days out with the Supercar Club when you spend time with like-minded people add to the great ownership experience."
Things I hate:
"Can't think of anything I hate but I suppose it depends what you expect out of ownership of cars like this. The road legal Radical SR3 sort of prepared me for the driving experience."
Costs:
"Fuel - driven within speed limits and respect for others about 18mpg. Insurance - depends on age and experience but most guys like me are paying £450 to £800 with five trackdays and 3,000 miles PA. Servicing - same as a Porsche. It's serviced by Steve Smith a well known Ultima Guru. PistonHeads classifieds is the best place to source one!"
Little danger of losing it in that colour!
"Only been on 'Permanent Vacation" a short time so trying to sort for this year. On the list - Le Mans Classic (2016 as there isn't one this year). More days out with the Supercar Club - Elvington, three days on the Welsh roads, day out in the Lake District, Donington track day and meeting up with the Radical racing guys around the country at race meetings."
What next?
"Won't be selling it anytime soon, even if I build a new one. Possible upgrades - central locking, xenon headlights, daytime LED running lights, Dash 2 Pro Display, add many of the upgrades available from the new Ultima Evolution and possible Albins paddle shift sequential gearbox."
Want to share your car with PHers on Carpool? Email us at carpool@pistonheads.com!
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