Over the past 20 years, there have been 6 solar cars built, each following naming convention of Gato del Sol followed by a Roman numeral.

The team began in 1999 when University of Kentucky sophomore, Bianca McCartt, approached then Assistant Professor Lyndon Scott Stephens to serve as founding advisor.

The first UK solar car was originally named Firefly and was a heavy, lead acid battery leviathan that competed as a demonstration vehicle in the organizations first event.

With generous support from benefactors including UK Alums Ralph G. Anderson and Billy Harper, and many businesses including Hyro Aluminum, Inc., Toyota, Sunpower, and Stone Farm (owner of 1982 Kentucky Derby Winner Gato Del Sol), 6 generations of solar cars (Gato I-VI) have resulted with success along the way.

More importantly, through its outreach and education efforts the team has exposed renewable solar energy technology to countless thousands.