Ultima Can-Am classic car for sale

History of the Ultima Can-Am

Ultima Sports Ltd., located in Hinckley, Leicestershire, is known for crafting sports cars with uncompromising performance. The Can-Am model traces its roots to the company's original mid-engined design and shares its lineage with the fixed-roof Ultima GTR. Developed as a convertible, the Can-Am was marketed both as a complete vehicle and as a kit—which allowed owners to tailor configuration to personal taste and ambition.

The model name pays homage to the Canadian-American Challenge Cup, reflecting Ultima’s inspiration from classic prototype road and race cars. Production of the Can-Am, alongside the GTR, continued until 2015, after which both were succeeded by the Ultima Evolution.

Model Range and Evolution

The Can-Am is derived from the Ultima GTR, translating the coupe’s technical underpinnings into an open top sports car format. No direct factory predecessor existed before the GTR; the GTR and Can-Am were Ultima’s main offerings until they were replaced by the Evolution in 2015. The modular nature of the kit and running gear allowed owners to experiment with drivetrains and customisation, though Chevy small-block V8s dominate the historical build sheets. Evolution of the Can-Am was marked primarily by improvements in chassis stiffness and engine compatibility, as Ultima responded to increasing power outputs requested by their passionate user base.

Highlights and Unique Features

• Open-top roadster configuration, providing a raw, unfiltered driving experience. • Mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive chassis built around a lightweight tubular steel spaceframe. • Factory default setups featured Chevrolet small-block V8 engines and Porsche or Getrag transaxles, a combination celebrated for reliability and tuneability. • GRP bodywork ensured low weight and distinctive looks, akin to Group C and Can-Am race cars. • Kit or turnkey flexibility gave owners full control, a rarity even among specialist sports car makers.

Technical Data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

No officially documented factory special editions or limited numbers have been cited for the Ultima Can-Am. Distinction arises from individual build choices, drivetrain configurations, and unique customer-completed customisation, making each car potentially unique based on specification.

Engine and Performance, Transmission and Handling

Engine output in Ultima Can-Am models depends on the specific V8 selected, ranging from moderate to exceptionally high horsepower. The car’s extremely low weight and mid-mounted engine result in exceptional responsiveness and lateral grip. Porsche or Getrag transaxles deliver robust power transfer. Handling is widely regarded as uncompromising, meant for owners seeking race-grade engagement. There is little in the way of electronic interference; tuning and setup align strictly with driver skill and mechanical sympathy. All Ultima Can-Am models share this technical DNA, with engine selection being the main variable—most frequently, a Chevrolet V8 paired with a Porsche transaxle. Buyers often highlight high-output builds and cars with well-documented assembly histories as particularly interesting.

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design

Design is functional and minimalist, referencing the Can-Am racing heritage. Expect exposed rivets, functional aero, and a low-slung stance. The interior is stripped back—emphasising key controls and mechanical intimacy over comfort or luxury. GRP bodywork allows for bespoke paintwork; individual customer tastes shape the final specification. Accessories are similarly variable, often focused on safety (harnesses, roll-over bars) and performance (adjustable suspension, racing seats).

Other Aspects

With its kit car origins, paperwork, build documentation and assembly quality are critical for any prospective buyer. Most vehicles built to a high standard rival factory-assembled sports cars in finish. The car’s open platform means significant parts and technical information interchange exists within the dedicated owner community.

Summary

The Ultima Can-Am embodies focused engineering and an enthusiast-driven ethos from chassis to drivetrain. Each example is a reflection of both Ultima Sports’ technical philosophy and the owner’s intentions, resulting in a varied but always high-performance classic. The Can-Am’s exclusivity on the market—accounting for 100% of available Ultima listings—makes it a unique presence for dedicated collectors and drivers alike.