2016 DDR MIAMI GTR8

Founded in 2001 by Diego Grullón, DDR Motorsport set out to create a lightweight, mid-engined sports car capable of supercar performance without the complexity or cost of the established European marques. The result was the Grullon GT8 Miami, a striking design built around a tubular steel spaceframe chassis with lightweight composite bodywork, combining proven American V8 power with a highly focused, driver-oriented package. Produced in limited numbers, the GT8 remains an exceptionally rare sight, with this example believed to be one of just three in the UK.

Unlike many low volume sports cars, the GT8 was engineered with performance at its core. Mounted behind the cockpit is a naturally-aspirated Chevrolet V8, understood to have been professionally rebuilt by Duel Performance and enlarged to 6,338cc under previous ownership. Managed by a Holley EFI system and paired with a strong Audi 6-speed manual transaxle incorporating a limited-slip differential. Weighing in the region of 1,200kg, the resulting power to weight ratio places the GT8 firmly into genuine supercar performance with the purity of no driver aids.

This particular example was acquired by our vendor as a completed project that required further development before reaching its current standard as it simply wasn’t running correctly. In his ownership, the car has been carefully sorted and refined, with invoices and receipts documenting the considerable investment made. Most recently, the engine has benefited from expenditure exceeding £10,000 with TT Racing and Worx Performance, including upgrading from Webber downdraught carbs to a brand new Holley EFI system.

The specification reflects the no compromise nature of the build. Suspension is provided by adjustable KW coil-overs, whilst Wilwood disc brakes are fitted at each corner. The car sits on bespoke staggered two piece forged Image wheels measuring 19 inches, wrapped in 235/35 front tyres and enormous 345/35 rear tyres. Accompanying the car is an extensive history file together with hundreds of photographs documenting the build process from start to finish.

Finished in Gunmetal Grey, the aggressive styling is enhanced by an APR Performance carbon fibre rear wing, roof scoop, scissor doors and distinctive R35 GT-R rear lights. The interior follows the same purposeful theme with black leather and quilted suede trim, carbon fibre accents, Sparco reclining bucket seats with harnesses, a Nardi steering wheel fitted with a quick release boss and a lightweight racing battery completing the competition inspired specification.

Although the odometer currently displays just 321 miles, it is understood to have developed a fault during current ownership which is assumed to be a wiring issue. The vendor estimates the true mileage since completion to be between 1,000 and 1,500 miles. Whilst the mileage cannot therefore be warranted, it is considered to remain comfortably below 2,000 miles since completion and the car has never been used on track.

With its combination of lightweight construction, proven Chevrolet V8 performance and bespoke engineering, the GT8 offers a driving experience unlike almost anything else on the road today. Built at considerable expense and accompanied by an extensive history file documenting both its construction and subsequent development, this remarkable machine represents a rare opportunity to acquire one of just three examples in the UK. Eye-catching styling, a manual gearbox, naturally aspirated V8 power and an uncompromising analogue driving experience, it is about as pure as a modern performance cars can be.