Vehicle Details
- Dealer
- Canepa
- Location
- Scotts Valley, California, United States
- Mileage
- -
- Transmission
- JERICO 4 SPEED
- Exterior color
- BLUE
Overview
Introduction
The 1977 Chevrolet Corvette IMSA "SuperVette" is one of the most powerful and brutal racing Corvettes ever designed. With its tube-frame chassis and aluminum big-block V8 engine producing over 750 horsepower, this car is a rare and exceptional example of a bygone era in motorsports.
Design and Development
Designed by Bob Riley and built by Charlie Selix and Gary Pratt, this Corvette features a innovative chrome-moly tubing chassis with extensive triangulation for extreme strength. The result is an extremely strong and rigid frame built to tank-like strength.
The car's bodywork was designed by John Greenwood's team, with a narrower track and more aerodynamic shape than the first tube-frame Corvette. This design change was intended to reduce drag and increase top speed.
Racing History
The Corvette was driven by John Paul Sr. of JLP Racing in the 1978 IMSA season, competing for overall wins in the premier GTX category. The car achieved several podium finishes, including a 2nd place at Hallett, and was a constant threat to its competition.
After the 1978 season, the car was sold to Tico Almeida and Rene Rodriguez of T&D Racing, who raced it in 1980. The car also appeared in the 1981 Daytona 24 Hours with John Greenwood as the driver, but suffered an engine failure.
Restoration and Current State
The Corvette was fully restored by Canepa to its 1978 IMSA specifications, with a concours-level restoration that included rebuilding the all-aluminum 500 cubic inch V8 engine and refinishing the chrome-moly chassis.
The car's restoration included the use of original components, such as the magnesium brake calipers borrowed from the Porsche 935, and features a stunning grey metallic paint on the chassis and bright baby blue paint on the bodywork.
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