A rare example of the American-built Drakan Spyder has surfaced for sale as a project car, offering a unique opportunity to own one of the most extreme road-legal track-focused vehicles ever produced in the United States. The car is largely complete but requires mechanical sorting before it can return to the road, with reported issues including a clutch that will not disengage and an LS3 V8 engine in need of tuning.
The Drakan Spyder was developed as a no-compromise driver’s car, placing weight reduction, mechanical simplicity, and driver engagement above comfort or mass-market appeal. Conceived by former General Motors engineer Shinoo Mapleton, the Spyder was designed to deliver formula-style immediacy combined with the torque and durability of a naturally aspirated V8. Rather than creating a platform from scratch, Mapleton adapted the Palatov D2 chassis, collaborating with Dennis Palatov to bring the concept into limited production.
At its core, the Spyder uses a mid-mounted, emissions-compliant 6.2-liter GM LS3 E-Rod V8 producing 430 horsepower and 424 pound-feet of torque. Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a Porsche G96 six-speed manual transaxle. With a curb weight of approximately 2,000 pounds, the Spyder achieves an exceptional power-to-weight ratio, enabling a 0–60 mph time of around three seconds and a top speed listed in the mid-160 mph range, depending on setup.
The car is built around a tubular chromoly steel spaceframe and features fully independent pushrod suspension with inboard-mounted Fox adjustable coilovers and Hyperco springs. Wilwood disc brakes handle stopping duties at all four corners. In keeping with its analog philosophy, the Spyder omits electronic driver aids such as traction control, stability control, and typically ABS, placing full responsibility on the driver.
The example currently offered was originally assembled by Sector111 and remains unfinished following the company’s closure. In addition to the clutch and tuning issues, the car is reported to have an external oil cooler leak and electric cooling fans that require manual operation. It is being sold with a bill of sale and a manufacturer’s certificate of origin identifying it as a 2015 model, and is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Originally available as either a kit or turnkey vehicle, the Drakan Spyder has long been known among serious track-day enthusiasts and gained wider recognition after high-profile media exposure. As a project car, this example represents a rare and relatively accessible entry point into ownership of a purpose-built American track weapon produced in extremely limited numbers.
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