The makers of the Cobra, Daytona Coupe, and GT40 replicas over at Superformance, are at it again, this time with the launch of a special replica of GM's most coveted track racer ever, the 1963 Chevrolet Grand Sport. And mind you, Superformance's Grand Sport is much more than your everyday kit car as it's a licensed replica of the original model that was the secret brain child of renowned Corvette engineer, Zora Arkus-Duntov.
Back in the early 1960s, Duntov wanted to develop a purpose-built-race car to win Sebring and Le Mans. Working under secrecy, Duntov and his Chevrolet staff went ahead and built a total of five specially engineered prototype racers based on the 1963 Corvette. However, for various reasons, GMs execs never approved the program and the production of the 125 street-legal cars that were required for racing-class homologation were never built.
The five prototypes that had already been crafted made their way on the race tracks (without GM's official endorsement though) during the 1960s in the hands of "private" racers with strong contacts within Duntov's engineering circle. All five cars exist today and are considered to be amongst the most valuable vehicles in the collector market.
Having acquired the original blue prints and molds from the No2 Grand Sport that had been transformed into a roadster by Chevrolet before the project was canceled, Superformance's replica is virtually a clone of the original racer sans the engine and transmission.
The Grand Sport clone will be available in both coupe and roadster forms and can be fitted with any crate engine currently offered by GM's Performance Parts division. Unlike the original prototypes, Superformance's licensed replica can be ordered to be completely street legal.
Superformance said that the first completed street version rollers will be available in the market sometime in mid 2010. Pricing has not been announced, but if you're interested, you can find out more and even place your order by calling the company at (949) 900-1950.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the adhesive between the roof panel and the frame may separate either partially, in which case the driver may notice one or more symptoms, such as a snapping noise when going over bumps, wind noise and poor roof panel fit, or worst case scenario, the targa top may completely detach from the vehicle - no need to explain the dangers in this case...
