The Cars That Drive Us: Team RTR’s Vaughn Gittin Jr. and the Ford Mustang RTR-X

As a championship-winning drifter and founder of RTR Vehicles, Vaughn Gittin Jr

., has spent his career pushing boundaries and inspiring others to get behind the wheel.

Among the many vehicles that have been part of that journey, one stands above the rest: the Ford Mustang RTR-X. More than a custom build, the RTR-X represents a defining moment in Gittin's career - a vehicle that helped shape the identity of RTR and opened the door to opportunities and relationships that continue to influence the automotive world today.

How many cars do you have in your collection?

I currently have 14 vehicles in my collection. Each one serves a different purpose and represents a different part of my automotive journey, which is what makes having a diverse collection so much fun.

What is your favorite car in your collection and why?

The Ford Mustang RTR-X has got to be my favorite because it was the first ground-up build that I got to dream up fully and bring to life. It was a huge milestone for RTR Vehicles, showcasing our style and unique approach to the automotive world. The RTR-X ultimately became the reason my longtime friend Ken Block asked us to build the Mustang Hoonicorn RTR, which made the project even more meaningful.

What's your most memorable drive in that car?

Drifting with Joey Logano

 on the backroads of North Carolina is my most memorable drive in that car. Pennzoil brought us together for the experience, and we spent the day carving up some incredible roads in the RTR-X and Joey's Factory Five Drift Truck. It's hard to beat the combination of a great car, great roads and great company.

What does "keeping a car for the long run" mean to you?

To me, keeping a car for the long run means enjoying it for everything it’s worth, no matter the headaches, the maintenance or whatever someone might offer to buy it. The cars you hold onto the longest tend to build the strongest connections because of all the memories and experiences tied to them. That’s exactly how I feel about the RTR-X. It’s a car that means a lot to me, and I plan to keep it for the long run!