Relive the historic 1990 Corvette ZR-1 endurance run where Morrison’s team averaged an astonishing 174.885 mph over 24 hours. Powered by the LT5, the C4 ZR-1 proved it could compete on the world stage, establishing Corvette as a true high-speed performance benchmark and cementing its place in modern Corvette history.
In 1991 the ZR-1 was the “Corvette to die for!” Everything was SO exotic, it’s too bad Chevrolet played it outrageously safe with the body styling that looks almost exactly like a regular Corvette. On well, ZR-1s are still beauties and the only way it could get better was to have Callaway Engineering do their thing on top of what was already Corvette’s flagship model.
General Motors had a mandatory, “retirement at 65” policy, so as Corvette Chief Engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov was nearing retirement in January 1975 the big question was who would be chosen to fill Zora’s big shoes. Duntov was not consulted about his replacement and McLellan would not have been his choice, but Dave was definitely the man for the job. McLellan was an Alfred P. Slone Fellow with a degree in engineering and management. The ‘70s was not a fun time and there were serious issues to be dealt with besides horsepower, racing, and mid-engine designs. There were emissions and quality control issues, as well as the implantation of a new assembly plant and an all-new Corvette to be designed and developed.
“Corvette Sixty Years” weighs in at 254 pages of text. A book covering the entire 60-year heritage of the Corvete. In the first three chapters Leffingwell takes you on a quick and concise tour of six generations of Corvettes in 179 pages.
Explore the extraordinary cut-away Corvette illustrations by David Kimble, where artistry meets engineering precision. His detailed technical artwork reveals the hidden mechanical beauty beneath Corvette bodywork, offering enthusiasts a rare inside look at the components, structure and performance systems that define America’s sports car.
The Corvette team was a very different group from the late ‘60s. One thing Dave McLellan and his team were determined to do was make sure their new world-class Vette was NOT launched prematurely. The team intended to release the ZR-1 as an ‘89 Corvette, but smartly chose to postpone production a year to make sure the car was right. The only downside to the entire enterprise was a small matter of the BIG price. At $27,016 on top of the $31,979 base price, this wasn’t just an engine option. No, no. everything from the flywheel back to the tires was bigger, more stout, and heavy duty. And rather than just add flares to the fenders to cover the oversized tires (ala the C3 L-88 fender flares), the entire back end of the car was widened. Unfortunately, the change was only noticeable to those with a keen Corvette eye or if the ZR-1 was next to a regular C4 Corvette. But, we won’t pick, as it was a magnificent car.
Back in the olden days, you know, pre-Bowling Green, if you wanted to buy a Corvette, you simply went to your friendly local Chevrolet dealer and bought your car. While some Corvette buyers may have been aware that their Corvette was built in St. Louis, most couldn’t have cared less, and were more focused on the experience of owning and driving their Corvette, rather than where it was assembled.
All Corvettes from 1953 to 1980 were built in the old St. Louis assembly plant. If you go back and read early road tests from the ‘60s and ‘70s you’ll see a consistent complaint – spotty to poor builkd quality. Some cars were built very well, most okay, and too many not good at all. It was a time when you didn’t want a “Monday car” for obvious reasons. Owners and magazine writers complained and GM listened.
Car Guys Who Lunch started in 2003 when a group of dudes with gasoline in their veins got together for burgers and bench racing in a cafe in Sarasota, Florida. A good time was had by all with everyone agreeing, “Lets do it again!” Within a year, “Sarasota Cafe Racers was officially launched, or should I say, “lunched.” (Arr, arr!) There are two aspects of Car Guys Who Lunch that make it so unique.
First, it’s a non-denominational car club – kind of a unitarian-like club. “What” you drive isn’t as important as your “passion” for driving and appreciation for unique automobiles. When the gang gets together for burgers and bragging, the issues, troubles, and concerns of the world are put on hold and the ONLY thing that exists is cars and a good lunch.
Second, if you like the concept, Marty and his team will help you start your own “Car Guys Who Lunch” chapter! How cool is that?!
