From the pages of http://www.autoblog.com [align=center]
Despite its relatively short list of on-track achievements, the original 1963 Corvette Grand Sport is arguably Chevrolet's most iconic racecar. Built to compete with the likewise-iconic Cobra, the Grand Sport dominated the Shelby when the two went head-to-head, but the program was axed by General Motors before it would make a significant impact on motorsports. Still, the five chassis have become coveted collector cars and command prices into the multi-millions of dollars.
While the privilege of owning an original Corvette Grand Sport is limited to just a fortunate few, Superformance is now offering the next best thing. The SoCal-based company is perhaps best known for their Cobra and GT40 replicas, but a new licensing agreement with GM has opened doors to produce a Corvette Grand Sport model that will be available as either a coupe or convertible. Customers will also have the option of a street or race version (pictured).
As with their GT40, Superformance have gone to great lengths to insure that the Grand Sport is as identical to the original as possible. They even acquired the original blueprints and molds to one of the original race cars to produce accurate components. Powertrain options will be nearly endless, as the engine bay has been designed to accept most of the GM Performance Parts crate engines. Read on for the official press release from Superformance, or check out the high-res gallery of the Superformance Grand Sport race car by clicking the above image.
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PRESS RELEASE:ICONIC CORVETTE R REBORN
Glories of yesteryear were conceived when General Motors licensed a Californian specialist sports car partnership in early 2009 to resume production of the iconic 1963 Corvette Grand Sport, arguably GM's most prestigious track racer ever.
Duntov/Superformance LLC lost no time in turning opportunity into reality, and Duntov immediately began production of the race version of the Grand Sport, which has already raced and won a number of events this year.
Now the street version of this popular 1960's muscle car will follow with the series production of a Turn Key Minus chassis by Superformance. The original Grand Sport - intended to be a "Cobra Killer" - were built by General Motors under the watchful eyes of Zora Arkus Duntov, GM's chief engineer at the time.
The value of a continuation model and that of a historic original is encapsulated in its authenticity. Superformance went to great lengths to ensure that the new street version would be as like the original Grand Sport as two peas are in a pod having acquired the original blue prints and molds off the original #2 Grand Sport.
With only five originals ever built, the Superformance Grand Sport will give buyers the opportunity to own a piece of GM's rich history. What makes this street version an even more valuable product is that it is licensed by its originators and that is not only meant to be raced, but is equally at home as a daily driver..
The SPF Grand Sport will be available in a roadster or coupe version and the technical originality is ensured by the legendary discipline and precision that has made Superformance products the leading fully assembled rolling chassis in the world.
Each SPF Grand Sport will be professionally engineered, custom crafted and professionally assembled in the largest and most modern privately owned specialist automotive manufacturing facility in the world.
The design of the Grand Sport chassis enables owners to select their drive trains from virtually any General Motors crate option available. The first completed street version rollers will be available in the US in mid 2010. Current orders can be placed by calling (949) 900-1950 or sending an email to info@superformance.com.
Phone 02 9829 5072
Phone 0438 658 458
Phone 0432 136 333
