2002 Cadillac Le Mans Roadster

Ford 2002, Cadillac built its own chassis for prototype racing. Nigel Stroud designed the LMP02 and gave it an angular design de-void of the dummy grille and with a large air intake in the front and smaller ones at the sides. To aid in high-speed stability, it was given improved ground effects and a shortened chassis that was 12-inches shorter than Cadillac's prior LMP cars.

Three cars were built for Team Cadillac, and one of them would become the most successful Northstar racer. That vehicle was chassis number LMP-02-002, which finished ever race in 2002.

The design was a significant departure from the previous model and was completely designed by computer. Extensive wind-tunnel testing was performed to ensure an accurate and aerodynamic design. The body was comprised of carbon fiber and the two halves of the monocoque were bonded with a new technique. The side-mounted radiators use water-to-oil heat exchangers to cool the gearbox, which eliminates air-to-oil cooler drag and stabilizes the gearbox oil temperature. A Formula 1-style cockpit surrounds the driver with head restraints molded from shock-absorbing foam and an adjustable pedal box assembly, which also provides extra protection for the driver's feet and legs.

At Sebring, 002 finished in 31st place after experiencing electrical trouble. It finished 9th at LeMans, running in the top 10 throughout the race. At LeMans, 002 was driven by Wayne Taylor and max Angelelli, who would later win the 2005 Daytona 24-Hour race and the Daytona Grand Am Prototype Championship in a Riley Pontiac.

The fuel-injected, twin turbocharged DOHC V8 engine produced 600 horsepower. It has a six-speed X-Trac sequential gearbox and four-wheel hydraulic carbon disc brakes.

In 2011, the car was offered for sale at the Amelia Island auction presented by RM Auctions. The car was estimated to sell for $200,000 - $300,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $209,000, including buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2011