Welcome to my website. It is dedicated to my GTM Libra.
GTM is a manufacturer of kit cars. Unlike most of them, they don't build replicas or Lotus Seven-like cars, but they have cars of an original design.
Currently there a two models available: The Libra, a mid engined sports coupe, and the Spyder, which is based on the Libra. Apart from being an open top car of course, it's also differently styled at the front and back.
Both cars are based on the Rover Metro/111/114 and can be fitted with every available Rover K-series engine from a 1.1 to the 1.8VVC. Only the Libra can also be built with the 2.5KV6 engine. The body is strengthened and modified to accept this larger and more powerful engine.
For many years, I have dreamt about owning a sports car to enjoy in the weekends an on holidays. Through the years the object of my desire changed constantly. First I wanted an Opel GT, then a 1960's Porsche 911, and after that a Lotus Elise or a TVR. During this time the price of my dream cars was rising more rapidly than the balance of my savings account.
About 3 years ago I rented an Elise for a few days, and had the time of my life. I thought I had found my ultimate dream car. But since then the price of the Elise has grown considerably and a second hand one today costs almost the same as when it was new 3 years ago.
But in April 2002 my dream car changed once more when I stumbled across a website with a build report of a GTM Libra. I had to find out more about this gorgeous car! In the weeks that followed I learned more and more about it. Until then I never even had dreamt about building a car myself. At this point I decided to keep my everyday car (Lexus IS200) for another couple of years and to go for something fun alongside of it.
On the GTM website I read there would be an open day at Oracle Cars in Lokeren (Belgium), which is less than 100 kilometers from my home. There I first saw the Libra in real life. Gareth Cole took me along for a very impressive demo drive (he did 110 were 90 was allowed, but I guess he "forgot" we use the metric system over here!) and I was sold! I'm also convinced now that the Libra is a better (and a more practical) car than the Elise.
I took my time in deciding what I really wanted and 3 weeks later I ordered my Libra!