Ken Block recently ripped up the streets of Las Vegas in an electric Audi S1 Hoonitron for the aptly named Electrikhana. But while the tire-smoking action looked great, many weren't impressed by the fact that his latest machine is an EV, yearning for the early days of the Gymkhana video series when the sound of contained combustion filled the air. One such monster from those heydays was GYM3, a 600-horsepower Ford Fiesta rallycross car that starred in Gymkhana Three, in which Block tackled the Autodrome de Montlhery in a blazing, nerveless display of speed and driving skill around the French circuit; and one of many highlights in Block's glittering collaboration with Ford.
A few weeks ago, Ford announced that it would be killing the enduring Fiesta for good. This affordable yet fun-to-drive hatch endeared itself to many, and the ST was a true hot hatch blast. Well, what better way to celebrate all that the Fiesta was than to purchase the very Fiesta Block drove in Gymkhana Three? Now, you can, as GYM3 is going up for auction at RM Sotheby's Miami event on 10 December.
This is not the first time that the GYM3 has gone up for sale, but it presents another incredibly rare opportunity to own this special car. It derives its power from an Olsbergs Duratex four-cylinder turbocharged engine that makes 600 hp and 660 lb-ft of torque, astonishing numbers for such a small car that will embarrass a Ford Mustang Mach 1.
Spinning all four tires with ease, the GYM3 is capable of a 0-60 mph time of around two seconds, provided you can manhandle the Olsbergs MSE MakTrack six-speed paddle-shift sequential gearbox with the speed and precision of Block. GYM3 also has Alcon Racing brakes, Ohlins shocks, underbody protection, and a seam-welded body structure.
In Gymkhana Three, the Fiesta handles the progressive banking of the circuit with ease, which goes up to an incredible 52 degrees. With over 69 million views on YouTube, this could be the most famous Fiesta in the world, and its black/white drip-themed livery with green highlights is unmistakable.
Fortunately, it looks like the car wears fresh tires since its feat in Gymkhana Three, when Block concluded the video with a dizzying series of donuts that completely smoked the rear tires to the point that the wheels were making contact with the tarmac. The little car looks like an absolute riot, so it's no surprise that Block continued his love affair with the Fiesta years later.
Heading inside, the stripped-out GYM3 has a custom-made hydraulic drift brake, a bunch of stickers, and an OMSE roll cage. The central multi-information display in the road-going Fiesta serves just one purpose here, which is to show you what gear you're in.
After its many exploits through the years, the GYM3 received a well-deserved rebuild of its transmission by Hoonigan Racing Division. The transmission was then re-installed by RM Motorsports in Michigan. This work took place in the spring of 2022. The clutch pressure plate and rear main seal were also replaced, vacuum seals repaired, new ignition packs and spark plugs fitted, and a re-tune of the engine completed. Before all this, a new gearshift ECU was implemented.
Listed by RM Sotheby's and heading to the Miami auction next month, we can only hope that the GYM3 falls into the hands of someone who will be able to drive it as it deserves while also appreciating an unforgettable piece of pop-culture history.