GMMG Wild Card’s
Under construction
‘Wildcard’s’ are on this page becasue I don’t know where else to put them.
If you have additional cars or information, please send it.
There may be more ‘unknown’ GMMG cars?
If you know of cars that claim to be GMMG’s & are not, please contact me.
Thanks Jim
Authorized or non authorized GMMG Cars?
The GMMG Registry attempts to record, document and archive all cars built by Matt Murphy & GMMG. Whether a car is authorized or not authorized as long as it was built by GMMG it belongs on the Registry & archives. For lack of a better category, I called them ‘GMMG Wild Cards’ because they may not fit in a normal category. If you have any issues they need to be taken up with GMMG & not me. I’m just the messenger. I don’t have any connection to GMMG other than having Matt’s OK to do the Registry.
Jim Smith
Drekar Z-15 built by GMMG
After 35 years of domination in the American “Musclecar” market, both of the legendary F-Bodies (Camaro & Firebird) were to cease production in 2002. In response to this, and after seeing that there was no planned Firebird equivalent to the forthcoming limited production Camaro “ZL1” Supercar (in which Matt Murphy, the owner of GMMG, had just been given the approval from GM to build 69 of these special vehicles after months of hard work to bring the “ZL1” project to life), an upcoming design & tuner company Drekar ASV (American Specialty Vehicles) set it’s sights on paying homage to this piece of American heritage with it’s own Firebird Supercar, the “Z15”.
Jan Oosten, a creative concept designer/producer along with his like-minded engineer brother, Kurtis Oosten (founders of Drekar ASV – both from a NASA/Aerospace family with a patriotic passion for American Musclecars) set out with their enthusiasm to make this new Supercar a reality. By contacting their longtime family friend Dan Edmundson (a manager of a Pontiac/GMC dealership who himself had co-produced the limited production “Banshee” dealership cars of the mid to late 90’s and had already supplied numerous F-Bodies to the family over the years) they managed to get some of the very first “Collector Edition” Firebirds coming down the GM pipeline for this new project.
With Drekar ASV’s initial goal of converting only 35 “Collector Edition” vehicles (in which GM had only a few thousand produced to generally commemorate the 35th Anniversary of the Firebird) to this 600HP performance and appearance package, the name “Z15” seemed fitting as this was already the GM “RPO” code designated to those Firebird “CE” cars. With some essential help in collaboration, build components, and overall insight from fellow enthusiast Matt Murphy (who had already put aside his beautiful 400HP pilot Firebird “Ram Air 6” project due to GM’s disbanding of the Pontiac Firebird Brand Team) and staff, the projectwas taking its first breaths in life.
This new Drekar ASV Firebird “Z15” Supercar started out as previously mentioned in “CE” form which was coming directly from GM in a Pontiac yellow “54U”. This color yellow had been previously used on the Firebird’s in 1994. This production “CE” yellow was a tad more “pale” than the pre-production “CE” car which was finished in a much brighter Corvette “Millennium Yellow”. It was immediately decided that the “Z15” would don an outstanding show car coat of the originally intended “CE” color Corvette “Millennium Yellow”. The pilot car was painstakingly disassembled and then painted piece by piece, completing the paint scheme with the addition of a black Pontiac style “arrowhead” to cleanly but accurately portray the aggressive nature of this ‘bird.
With its fresh new look upon reassembly, the engine was carefully reinstalled with specific “Z15” milled heads & upgraded internals to match the custom “Z15” Vortech Supercharger w/Aftercooler. From exhaust, programming, drivetrain, braking & suspension – all planted to the pavement with Goodyear Eagle F1 295-35 ZR18 Supercar tires – this vehicle is complete and bold in every detail. In keeping with its donor “CE” styling cues, the ebony interior was accented with silver, including the “Z15” specific instrument cluster. “Z15” key fob, floor mats, console badge, auto-dimming rearview mirror with temperature and compass – even a yellow “Z15” logo specific car cover – are just a few of the things that lead to an overall uncompromised setup.
After the pilot Firebird “Z15” was completed in its build, it was decided that it should be seen first by the people it was most built for: the Firebird enthusiasts. It was transported to the 2002 Trans Am Nationals in Dayton, Ohio – the largest Firebird show in the world – where the public was first introduced to this one of a kind ‘bird at that largest event, during the last year the F-Body was manufactured. In a truly honorary and unforgettable experience for all involved in the build, the “Z15” claimed first place prize in the Super-Street class.
The pilot Firebird “Z15” went on to be “officially” unveiled and autographed as well (signatures include Jan Oosten, Kurt Oosten, Matt Murphy, and Scott Settlemire) at the 2002 F-Body Celebration held Sept. 20th-22nd in Bowling Green, KY alongside some of the finest GM F-Cars to ever be produced, and also among some of the finest Firebird and Camaro enthusiasts. Truly trying to embody all that the Firebird represented to scores of enthusiasts for generations and being born in spirit of its brethren the Camaro “ZL1”, the Firebird “Z15” had come to life.
Drekar 15
Can anyone help identify this car build for Dale, Jr?
What is it? Is this GMMG Car # HRPT-PR1 or DH-PR3?
This car has Dick Harrell badging & is a wide body that was apparently built for Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Does anyone know about this car? I’m confused on this one. Jim
Click Dale Jr’s. Orange prototype info. What is the GMMG tag # & what is it?
October 27, 2012 – DC-1 has been moved to the Wildcard page until it is determined if it was an authorized build or not. Once I hear from Valarie Harrell & Berger Chevy the decision will be made as to where the car fits. Until then it will remain on the Wildcard page.
GMMG – JR #8
Two special GMMG builds (#12 red & #4 silver Z7D)
If you would like additional information you will have to contact Matt Murphy @ GMMG.
Cars were built by GMMG but not authorized by Valerie Harrell or Berger Chevy.
Jim,
I am working second shift today so I have a bit of time this morning to put this together.
Per our discussion on Sunday, out of the 52 GMMG 35th PEs, 8 of them were “Brickyard 400 Convertibles” its assumed the 8 brickyards were the “Red and Silver” cars but, out of those 8, I believe 2 of them were the 2002 Silver Brickyard 400 “Z7D” festival cars.
I know the two Z7D cars upfitted by GMMG were Z7D #56, and #58. Remember only #2-43 and #45 of the 62 total Z7Ds were assigned to drivers at the 2002 Brickyard 400, both Z7D #56, #58 were NOT assigned to drivers, these two cars were considered “central office” cars since they were not assigned to drivers of the race. I do know that Z7D #56 is assigned to GMMG PE #15, I do not know what the GMMG PE# is for Z7D #58.
My car (Z7D #4) was assigned to Robby Gordon (Robby Gordon rode in my car around the track prior to the race) for the 2002 Brickyard 400. When I visited Matt Murphy in 2007, we discussed having GMMG add a “package” to our Z7D#4, we both agreed it would be cool to do a similar package as one of the two Z7D PE cars. Because Matt did not want to copy the same package as one of the 52 PE cars, he ended up calling it Dick Harrell Performance Edition (DHPE which is very similar to the 52 35th PE cars)
derekaasen@yahoo.com
ZO6 Millenium Yellow Coupe converted to a Convert
Skunk Werkes PR-2
Photos taken by Jim Smith
2010 GMMG visit
Did GMMG build a 1999 Firehawk in 2006?
Yes, it’s the real deal. (1 of 1)
On November 14, 2011 I received photos of GMMG FH @ GMMG with Mike doing the engine work.
The only GMMG markings I see are on the heads.
Thanks Jim
1999 GM Hugger Orange Camaro SS Prototype
(Only one built by GM) – GMMG upgraded to Pahse II/435hp
I delivered this car to NC for Matt.
Looking for photos, information & owners of these ‘Wildcards’
Wildcard’s
Car # | Color | Roof | Trans | Engine | |||
HRPT – PR-1 | Berger Chevy | Camaro | Hugger Orange | Is this the the Orange Dale Jr. car? | |||
SWV-PR-1 | Skunk Werks | ZO6 Vette | Blue | ||||
SWV-PR-2 | Skunk Werkes | ZO6 Vette | Millenium Yellow | Convert | Trigger | Have a photo @ GMMG 2010 | |
ENF-PR-1 | B4C | Black | |||||
ENF-1 | B4C | White | Matt Murphy – Was this the Test Mule prototype? | ||||
E-KE-SS | SS | Black | Is this the black SS Track Car? | ||||
E-BS-Z28 | Z-28 | Montery Maroon | |||||
V-6 | B4C | SOM | Built for Nancy Gibb | ||||
GMHT-6 | ? | What is GMHT? | |||||
GMHT-8 | Black | ||||||
GMHT-9 | Bright Red | ||||||
JR#8 | Camaro | have info | Bright Red | Jason – AL – have info & photos | |||
RA6-PR1 | Pontiac | CollEdYellow | Is this GMPP? | ||||
HRT-PR1 | Hugger Orange | Is this the the Orange Dale Jr. car? | |||||
HRT-EM | Red | ||||||
B-EM T | Black | T-Top | |||||
2000 Z28 | 2000 Z-28 | White | Convert | YO – GA | |||
2000 TA | Silver | ||||||
EXP-Z28 | 2000 Z-28 | Silver | Coupe | YO – GA | |||
DH-PRCV | Wide Body Prototype Convert | Convert | Ralley Red | 750hp | Jim | AZ | Only wide-body convert |
MIKE | Test Mule | White | |||||
DH DC-1 | Drag Car | Dick Harrell | Dark Red | Andy | Have photos & info | ||
SYC-PR-1 | TA? | Olympic Gold | |||||
GMHT-1 | Bright Red | ||||||
GMHT-2 | Bright Red | ||||||
GMHT-4 | Bright Red | ||||||
GMHT-5 | Bright Red | ||||||
EXP-Convert | 1999 Proto | SS | Hugger Orange | Andy | II/435 | Hugger Orange GM prototype | |
GMHT-3 | Monteray Maroon | ||||||
GMHT-7 | ? | ||||||
GMMGFH | ’99 Firehawk | Black | Eric | 500 | Going to NJ 10/12 |
DEI #20 waiting for the LAST (#100) C5R ‘427’ Race Motor
Empty space on top right of empty motor crates is for #100 C5R going in DEI #20
Photos taken @ GMMG by Jim Smith – 2012
Empty hole (top right) is for the LAST C5R ‘427’ race motor #100 to go in DEI #20
Real deal Pace Car- not a Festival Car
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A Tom Henry is being built (11/11) & may have #33 on it.
Only 32 Tom Henry cars were built & it is not real.
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Here’s another Tom Henry that is not real (silver).
It looks like a nice car but not real.
P2G (Phase 2 Gilden) 1999 Trans Am
Research continues – June 23, 2013…………..
P2G is not a GMMG Wildcard because it does not have a GMMG door tag
It was built @ GMMG by Mike Carnahan when the owner was an employee
(It is in the Wildcard section until we figure out where it belongs)
…from the owner Jarrett – July 23, 2013………………….
1999 Pontiac Trans Am GMMG built from Marietta GA (Google GMMG for info). I was a former employee for roughly a year.. this vehicle was built by Mike and Ron.. I have a invoice showing that this was built at the shop as well as pictures. Extremely clean 20K mile car never driven in winter. Car needs nothing and no expense was spared in the build of this vehicle. This car has Kooks headers, full GMMG chamber exhaust, Comp custom cam, TEA heads, LS6 intake, underdrive pulley, 4.11 gears, Spohn weld in sub-frame connectors, Spohn larger sway bars from and rear, Spohn panhard bar, Hurst short throw shifter and much more.
Car put 451 at the wheels. I have the dyno sheet from GMMG. I have owned this car for ten years and I am selling it only because I bought a corvette.
Many interior mods including led lighting in interior and exterior . The stereo is a Pioneer double din and two JBL amp and custom made amp rack and a ten inch enclosure. The whole interior was removed to put sound deadener in the interior. I have new two tone leather interior installed last year as well. New 18 wheels and tires with less then 200 miles. Brake calipers are powder coated as well. This car is stamped on the heads by GMMG when I was employed by them. You will not find a better deal on a cleaner car anywhere!! Car is being sold cheap due to being a salvage title car that was fixed when I purchased it in Pa. You could not build a car like this for under $30k. Car had hit a house after swerving from a deer in the road. The driver side door and rear quarter as well as the bumper cover were replaced. Car should never have been totaled.
The only bad with the car is the chips under the hood and one paint chip shown in driver side front fender. Also the power antenna does not go down all the wan
GMMG Test Mule
Is this ENF-1?
RA6-PR1 Collector yellow
2002 Firebird Collector Edition – One of None
Timing, it is said, is everything. It’s true whether you bought Microsoft stock in the early ’80s or Enron stock last week. In other words, being in the right place at the right time is much more important than having a great idea at the wrong time. Unfortunately, a killer idea executed too late describes the story behind the star-crossed, Collector Edition Yellow-styled Firebird seen here.
Packing the appearance of the ’02 Collector Edition (with some subtle differences) and the motivation of GM’s LS6 Gen-III engine, this pilot vehicle was a proposed Firebird special package commissioned by members of GM’s F-car teams and built by GMMG, Inc.
Headquartered in Marietta, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta, GMMG has been busy the last few years creating specialized performance versions of the F-cars for a few dealers across the country. They built the BlackBird Trans Ams for Atlanta’s Carl Black Pontiac, as well as a series of special Birds for resto giant Year One.
Most of GMMG’s work, however, has been with Camaros; they’ve created numerous Berger Chevrolet (Grand Rapids, Michigan) editions and the Dale Earnhardt Intimidator SS edition for the Earnhardt dealership (Newton, North Carolina). This preeminent focus on the Camaro was recognized by Camaro marketing team member Scott Settlemire (a real advocate for the F-car and an enthusiastic participant in the hobby that is rarely seen anymore in Detroit), who worked shoulder to shoulder to make F-car decisions with the Firebird team.
“It would be good to do something special for the Firebird guys,” Settlemire told GMMG president, Matt Murphy. Murphy agreed, and the pair, along with John Heinracy, of GM Engineering (and father of the original 1LE F-cars of the late ’80s), set out to develop a performance-oriented Firebird, based on the ZL-1 Supercar package GMMG was working on for the ’02 Camaro.
Along with the factory 1LE suspension parts, 18-inch rolling stock and interior upgrades, the heart of the ZL-1 package was the Corvette Z06’s LS6 engine.
“John [Heinracy] suggested we build the vehicle first, then show it to the Firebird team,” says Murphy. “The idea was to develop a pilot vehicle with brand team support, then propose a plan for a limited production run.”
With Settlemire’s and Firebird brand team member Kurt Collins’ nods for approval, GMMG started scrounging donor parts for the prototype. A used ’98 Firebird V-6 car was purchased from a Texas Honda dealership to serve as the vehicle’s base. GM shipped the LS6 engine and related components, while the brand team was able to procure a V-8 donor car for the ancillary swap items, including the transmission, fuel tank, fuel lines, etc. The car, a Camaro SS, had been used at Justin Bell’s Florida driving school and stuffed into a wall by an overanxious, under-experienced student. Though bent from end to end, most of the good parts underneath were usable.
Although swapping the new LS6 and used F-car donor parts to the V-6 body went smoothly, Murphy says rewiring the car was the biggest headache.
“The V-6 car was a ’98 and the rest of the stuff was ’01 or later,” he says. “The wiring harnesses simply don’t mesh.” It was a pain to wire up everything, and he credits GMMG technicians Bill Lawler and Kevin McDearis for the wiring chores.
Those chores included the rewired instrument panel, which is now filled with GMMG’s custom silver-face gauges. The gauges boast “Ram Air 6” insignias, as do badges on the car’s front fenders. The “6” designation ties in both with the LS6 engine and the idea of continuing the famed “Ram Air” engine designation of past Poncho performance mills.
GMMG installed the LS6 engine straight up–no mods. The hood numbers indicate 400 horses, whereas in the Vette, the same engine is rated at 405. “We were reminded of, and cognizant of, the Corvette’s place on GM’s performance ladder,” says Murphy.
The numbers are academic, really, as the Firebird has put down 370 horses to the rear wheels on a chassis dyno. According to our calculator, that means it’s making closer to 440 horses at the flywheel. We put in some time behind the wheel of this rare Bird, and it certainly feels like more than 400 horses, that’s for sure.
The engine is hooked to the T56 6-speed salvaged from the driving school donor (with a GM-installed Hurst shifter and black Hurst shift knob), and power is sent through it to a stock 10-bolt filled with 4.10 gears. For the sake of comparison, we can say that the pilot ZL1 Supercar, with a similar drivetrain combo, has been tested by GM and returned 0-60 times of 4.06 seconds and quarter-miles in 12.56 seconds (at 115 mph).
When it came to setting up the suspension, GMMG utilized a combination of stock parts, Corvette Z06 front and rear brake rotors and calipers, 1LE upper and lower control arms (basically, they’ve got stiffer bushings), a 1LE Panhard bar and Penske 7500-Series double-adjustable shocks, which were specially developed by Penske for use on GMMG’s ZL1 Supercar package. Also, there is a custom front stabilizer bar and the rear bar is the 1LE piece for Third-Gen F-cars.
Murphy wanted also to maintain the 1LE theme in the interior, including manual window cranks. But the power accessory-filled door panels of the Collector Edition leather interior, GMMG installed, precluded the use of manual windows.
Subtle Differences
In the close-yet-different category are the car’s wheels and tires. Powder coated black, they look, at first glance, like the black wheels of the ’02 Collector Edition. They’re actually a quartet of Corvette magnesium 18×9.5-inch rear wheels, mounted on a set of Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-Fiorano 265/40ZR-18 tires.
“The wheels fit perfectly,” says Murphy. “The offset was just right. Those wheels look great on an F-car.”
Of course, the Formula-style bodywork emulates the Collector Edition, too, but isn’t quite the same. The Formula-based Firebird nose is the biggest difference, but note also the black hardtop. As the ’02 production versions of the Collector Edition were Trans Ams, they came either as T-tops or convertibles.
The car was sprayed with the correct Collector Edition Yellow paint, but it was in the paint shop where momentum on the project all but ceased. “When the car was in the paint booth, we got word that, with the F-car’s demise, the Firebird marketing team had been dissolved,” says Murphy. “Scott [Settlemire] absorbed many of the duties for both F-cars at that time.”
With no one on the Firebird team left to approve the project, the GMMG crew pushed the painted bodyshell into a corner of the shop. The car sat uncompleted for months. But the impetus to bolt it together came when the 2001 Web-based F-body gathering was scheduled for the Atlanta area, and GMMG knew Settlemire would be in town. “Scott really liked the idea of the car, so we decided to complete it for him to take a look at,” says Murphy. “We assembled the car and have taken it to a few events since the gathering. It really draws some interesting glances.”
Murphy says the Bird cooks as good as it looks. “We drove it to the Bristol Drag Strip in Tennessee and easily ripped off low 13s,” he says. “The best e.t. was a 12.89 at 112 mph.”
Original plans called for 35 LS6-powered Formulas like this prototype–one for each year of Firebird production–to be built by GMMG and sold through a select group of Pontiac dealers. Alas, the timing was not right.
Ironically, this yellow prototype is resigned to F-car history, perhaps going down as one of the most collectible Collector Editions out there–car number zero of a production run that never left the gates.
October 29, 2012 –
I had a long conversation with Valerie Harrell this afternoon about PRCV & have additional information to share. PRCV was not an authorized Dick Harrell/Berger car. She informed me that she did not authorize PRCV & it is not a DH car.
With that said PRCV was built buy GMMG, is the only wide-body convert, claims 750 hp & that would make it the highest horsepower GMMG built that I am aware on but it is not a Dick Harrell/Berger authorized car.
Jim Smith
GMMG Registry
Click – Valerie Harrell link about PRCV
CLAIMED HARRELL VEHICLES: UNDOCUMENTED: CERTIFICATES NOT ISSUEDMs. Harrell has both common law trademark, federally registered trademarks, & the rights of publicity associated with Dick Harrell®.Warning: Anyone purchasing cars purporting to be an authentic “Dick Harrell” car should ensure that the seller/owner has clear evidence of the right to use the Dick Harrell name. Suggestions for potential purchasers including a warning that anyone purporting to sell an authentic “Dick Harrell” car should have a certificate or letter of authenticity to prove that the car is authentic and can retain any Dick Harrell trademarks, etc.
A private collector is offering 4 iconic, low mileage, high horsepower GMMG’s for sale.
The Registry is assisting by hosting these special cars for your consideration.
If you would like more information, please contact the broker direct.
Jim – MW Classic – 636-980-7588
The Registry will forward any e-mail requests – Jim Smith
You will need to let him know you have seen the cars on the Registry so they will know where the request is coming from.
………from Jim Smith…….. These are the rarest GMMG’s on the planet and certainly the most desirable & collectable of all GMMG’s.
Again, these super rare cars are in a private collection.
PRCV red Convert
CETA Blackbird #7 yellow Convert
Performance Edition #17 red Convert
Performance Edition #29 black Convert
- Phase 5XR – 454CI LSX 750HP/675TQ Upgrade Package $36,000
- Carbon Fiber GM Wide body w Custom Inner Quarter Panels Flared $ 8,500
- 12 Bolt Rear End with 3:73 Gears $ 3,750
- RPM Upgrade L5 Race Transmission with Yank Racing TQ Converter $ 2,995
- Custom MHT Forged Edition M10 – 20×11 Front and 20×12 Rear $ 8,995
- Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 – 305/25R20 Front 335/25R20 and Rear $ 2,195
- Tubular K-Member, Tubular Upper and Lower Arms in Chrome $ 1,695
- Tubular Lower Control Arms, Panhard Rod & Sway bars – Powdercoat $ 995
- Engine Brackets, K-Frame, Spindles, Exhaust Shields- Powdercoat $ 895
- Subframe Connectors $ 495
- Adjustable TQ Arm $ 495
- Subtotal for Custom Options $67,010
- DH Base Package $59,071
- Base price of Camaro $37,595
- Total Price of Camaro Prototype $163,676
PRCV was in fact built by GMMG & has a GMMG door tag
The GMMG Registry is attempting to determine if DH-PRVC was an authorized DH or not. Working on verification.
DH-PRCV was in fact built by GMMG, has a GMMG door tag, GMMG paperwork & the GMMG invoice indicates it is DH-PRCV & the only wide body DH Convert.
- Base Camaro Package Price $35,695
- Performance Edition Package $ 9,995
- Phase 3X – 427CI 630HP/600TQ Package $27,500
- Phase 5X – 454CI 680HP/650TQ Upgrade Package $ 3,500
- 12 Bolt Strange Rear End w Chromoley Drive Shaft w 3:73 Gears $ 3,750
- RPM Upgraded L5 Transmission w Yank Converter & Cooler $ 2,995
- 18” Corvette Wheels and Tires $ 2,195
- Corvette Front and Rear Brake Conversion $ 1,995
- Hurst Line Lock $ 395
- Subframe Connectors $ 495
- GM 35th Anniversary Camaro Stripe Package $ 1,195
- GM 35th Anniversary Camaro Seats $ 1,295
- GM Koni Shocks (Factory 1LE parts) $ 1,295
- Final Performance Edition Total Price $92,300
- Base Trans Am Package Price $39,150
- Performance Edition Package $ 9,930
- Phase 3X – 427CI 630HP/600TQ Package $27,500
- Phase 5X – 455CI 680HP/650TQ Upgrade Package $ 3,500
- 12 Bolt Strange Rear End w Chromoley Drive Shaft w 430 Gears $ 3,750
- Corvette Front and Rear Brake Conversion $ 1,995
- Hurst Line Lock $ 395
- Subframe Connectors $ 495
- Textrailia Clutch, Flywheel and Pressure Plate $ 1,295
- GM 1LE Koni Double Adjustable Shocks $ 1,295
- Adjustable Torque Arm $ 495
- Final Performance Edition Total Price $89,800
SS track car project
Photos from 2010 GMMG visit
At least 7 Performance Edition 2002 SS’ were in storage containers.
They are all owned by one collector.
The million dollar question? Did Matt ever complete these cars?
#48 SOM ZL-1 waiting for motor
Performance Edition PR-1
Are there other ‘special’ GMMG cars that I don’t have any information on.
Please share if you have any information.