The first time I actually saw one, I about broke my neck trying to determine just what the hell “it” actually was. It’s not everyday that I’m completely and utterly baffled at a vehicle on the streets. I might not be able to tell you the specific model, or maybe even make, but I am reasonably gifted at figuring out regions based on car shape and going from there. This thing, though…emerald green, wheels straight out of the 1980s, El Camino taillights, and an exhaust note that at first, sounded unlike anything else I had heard. Low, strange, and long-tailed, I had no idea what the hell it was. I tried chasing it…and lost horrifically.

Yes, that car was a Consulier GTP. What is it? Warren Mosler’s idea of a supercar, a combination of a light monocoque, a strong design that utilized carbon-kevlar construction that he was willing to test out with a sledgehammer, and a Chrysler-sourced 2.2L turbo-four that was kin to what Shelby was cramming into Omnis. Other than the polarizing looks, the GTP was a monster…it was good enough that IMSA banned the car from competition and Car and Driver banned it from their One Lap of America series. Speaking of Car and Driver, the GTP was actually a major thorn in the side of the magazine and the magazine was a deep thorn in Mosler’s side as well. After Mosler offered a $25,000 reward to anybody who could best the GTP’s lap time on a circuit, Car and Driver made a play using a C4 Corvette and what Mosler would regard as a well-worn and abused GTP with shot breaks.

The GTP wasn’t his only hand at building cars. When Consulier became Mosler, he unleashed the MT900. or his version of what a Corvette could be with an added shot of “violent” just for good measure. He liked his machines light, fast, and capable. And whether you can appreciate his design themes or consider the GTP ugly but fast, you have to agree that the most stunning part of this story is that this car was created by a guy who was more involved in investments than he ever was in cars.