Chevrolet Corvette C5

This custom-fabricated race car was commissioned by Dunlop Tires and set a 2002 world record for standard production tires of 388.538 km/h (241.426 mph), along with a South African land speed record. The bodywork is based on the 2002 Chevrolet Corvette and covers a tubular chassis constructed by Spitzer Race Cars of Indianapolis, Indiana, and designed to accommodate race driver Grant van Schalkwyk. Power comes from a methanol-fueled 585ci big-block Chevrolet V8 assembled by Steve Schmidt Racing, also of Indianapolis, and it is paired with a Lenco Racing manual transmission with an air-assisted shift mechanism. Additional equipment includes dual Holley four-barrel carburetors, a rear wing, rear wheel spats, a Sparco steering wheel, and a drag parachute. This custom land speed car is now offered at no reserve on behalf of its current owner in Washington with a bill of sale. The 4130 chromoly steel tube frame supports bodywork inspired by the 2002 Chevrolet Corvette, and features two-tone yellow and red paint, a front splitter, sponsor graphics, a hood scoop, a drag parachute, and a rear wing. A documentary showing the car’s preparation and South African land speed run is available on YouTube. Black-finished 17″ alloy wheels with anodized lips are mounted with Dunlop SP Sport 7000 D tires, and slotted disc brakes are fitted along with coilover shocks. A full roll cage surrounds the driver’s compartment, and a Sparco steering wheel frames AutoMeter instrumentation including a tachometer and gauges for oil pressure and coolant temperature. No odometer is fitted, and total mileage is unknown. The 585ci big-block Chevrolet V8 was constructed by Steve Schmidt of Steve Schmidt Racing in Indianapolis, Indiana, and is said to be capable of 1,300 horsepower on Unocal C118 methanol fuel. It is equipped with dual Holley four-barrel carburetors, an MSD ignition system, Aeroquip fittings, and exhaust headers. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a Lenco Racing drag-race manual transmission with an air-assisted shifting mechanism. Additional underside and undercar photos are presented in the gallery below. A video showing the engine being started is presented above, and the seller recommends that the vehicle receive a full mechanical inspection prior to use. Filed under: c5