Thursday 12th November 2009

Superformance Reveals New Chevy Grand Sport

Rare 1963 racer gets new lease of life

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2010 Superformance Grand Sport...

American car builder/tuner Superformance is introducing a road-legal replica of the 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport. Thanks to a licensing deal the company struck with GM earlier this year, the car will be made using the original Grand Sport's moulds, but with some thoroughly modern mechanicals.

Superformance is better known for its GT40 and Cobra 'replicars' but, considering its history, the Grand Sport seems an appropriate addition to the range.

The original 1963 Grand Sport was the secret pet project of the chief Corvette engineer at the time, Zora Arkus-Duntov, who was anxious to produce a competent answer to Ford's success with the Shelby Cobra. GM bosses soon cottoned on to the unofficial project, and canned the whole thing after just five Grand Sports had been completed.

... original 1963 Corvette Grand Sport

One of the originals (chassis #002) recently went up for auction in the US, but failed to reach its reserve after bidding 'dried up' at $5 million USD(!). It is thought that all five Grand Sport's still survive today, whilst Duntov (who died in 1996) lives on in spirit in the Duntov Motor Company, Superformance's partners in the new Grand Sport project.

Capitalising on the renewed interest in this incredible rarity, Superformance has already produced a racing version of the Grand Sport that has apparently had some success in the US racing scene.

A road version of the Grand Sport will soon be available in roadster or coupe form, with an engine bay designed to accept 'almost any' of the current line-up of GM 'crate' engines. Even if 'replicars' aren't your thing, with GM's licensing, blessing and even original blueprints this one is rather special, and each car will be custom-built at Superformance's Southern-Californian plant. The new Grand Sport should hit the road in the US in mid-2010, but the order books are already open.

Below you can see a montage video of the original Grand Sport that was made for that unsuccessful auction in January, as well as Superformance's own promo video for its new replica (sadly lacking in moving shots!).

Superformance Grand Sport:

Original '63 Corvette Grand Sport:

 

 

[BoRED S2upid]

Can't say im familiar with such a beast but the more different cars on the road the better in my book, new cars all look the same this should be encouraged.