The 1969 Chevrolet Corvette Custom stands as a brutal and beautiful tribute to the widebody IMSA racers of the 1970s. Inspired by the legendary Greenwood Daytona cars, this build captures a specific era of American endurance racing. It features a handcrafted body kit designed by the experts at Eckler to mimic the aerodynamic flared fenders of the past. The car creates a massive presence on the road with its deep front air dam and high rear spoiler. Finished in a specialized Chromaflair paint, the surface shifts between black, red, and green depending on the lighting. This project represents a deep respect for Corvette racing heritage while offering modern craftsmanship and reliability.
Greenwood Heritage and Aerodynamic IMSA Styling
The visual impact of this 1969 Chevrolet Corvette Custom is rooted in functional racing history from the Greenwood brothers. John and Burt Greenwood were famous for pushing the C3 platform to record-breaking speeds on international tracks like Le Mans. This tribute utilizes an Eckler body kit to recreate the distinctive silhouette that once dominated the Daytona 24 Hours. The flared fenders allow for much wider tires, which are essential for managing the high output of the big-block engine. Every curve of the body serves to improve downforce or cooling, just like the original IMSA competition cars. It is a rare chance to own the look of a champion.
Refined Interior Comfort and Classic Manual Control
While the exterior of this 1969 Chevrolet Corvette Custom is pure aggression, the interior offers a surprising level of luxury. Striking red leather upholstery covers the cabin, providing a bold contrast to the dark metallic paint outside. Modern conveniences like power windows and a tilt steering wheel make the car much more livable for the contemporary driver. The cockpit remains focused on the driver, featuring a traditional four-speed manual shifter that connects you directly to the drivetrain. These small comforts do not distract from the purposeful, race-inspired character of the vehicle. It is a space designed for long-distance cruising or high-speed runs.
Unrivaled Big Block Power and Racing Hardware
Under the sculpted hood of this 1969 Chevrolet Corvette Custom lies a monstrous 427 cubic-inch V8 engine. This powerplant is estimated to produce 600 horsepower, giving the car performance that matches its intimidating widebody appearance. It channels massive amounts of torque to the rear wheels through a robust manual gearbox for an authentic muscle car feel. Centerline wheels wrapped in Mickey Thompson Indy profile tires ensure that all that power finds traction on the asphalt. With only 240 miles since the completion of the restoration, the mechanical components remain in showroom condition. This setup delivers the raw, visceral experience that defined the big-block era of American performance.
Engine Performance and Technical Build Specifications
This 1969 Chevrolet Corvette Custom is driven by a 427ci V8 engine delivering approximately 600 horsepower to the ground. A four-speed manual transmission allows the driver to manage the intense torque of the legendary big-block Chevy motor. The car utilizes an Eckler-built Greenwood Daytona body kit for improved aerodynamics and a wider, more stable track. High-performance Mickey Thompson tires provide the necessary grip to handle the significant power output safely during spirited driving. Stopping power and suspension geometry have been tuned to support the weight and speed of this unique custom build. It is a mechanically sound tribute built for both show and serious street performance.
Summary of the Greenwood Daytona Tribute
The 1969 Chevrolet Corvette Custom is more than just a modified classic; it is a rolling piece of racing history. By combining the 427 V8 engine with the iconic Greenwood body style, the builders created a truly unique machine. The attention to detail in the Chromaflair paint and red leather interior shows a commitment to high-end quality. This car offers the rare opportunity to experience the thrill of an IMSA racer with the soul of a street-legal muscle car. It is a pristine example with very low miles that is ready for any serious collection or show. Few vehicles can match the visual drama and mechanical strength of this Corvette.
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Source: motorcarclassics.com
