A pair of traditionally important Corvettes are among the many featured tons at a Mecum public sale taking place now in Kissimmee, Florida.
Supplied as a single lot, the pair are the primary and final manufacturing L88 Corvettes. The L88 possibility geared up Corvettes with a 7.0-liter (or 427 cubic inches in interval parlance) V-8 that was formally rated at 430 hp, however doubtless made far more than that. The L88 was the brainchild of Corvette chief engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov, who needed a extra aggressive ‘Vette for racing. To that finish, L88 vehicles had efficiency {hardware} like aluminum heads, however lacked creature comforts like radios and air con.
A small variety of L88s nonetheless made it into the palms of most people as highway vehicles, although. At the moment, their rarity and the muscular engines make them among the many most collectible Corvettes. One notably good instance offered for almost $2.7 million at public sale in 2021.
The 2 vehicles at the moment up for public sale embrace the primary L88, a 1967 convertible that was one in all simply 20 L88s produced that 12 months. It is also believed to be the one L88 convertible painted Tuxedo Black. It was additionally raced when new by Tony DeLorenzo and Jerry Thompson, ending second on the 1967 SCCA Runoffs at Daytona Seaside.
First and final Chevrolet Corvette L88 (photograph by way of Mecum Auctions)
L88 manufacturing spanned the C2 and C3 generations of the Corvette, so the ultimate manufacturing L88 is a Fathom Inexperienced C3 coupe from 1969. It was manufactured on Dec. 4 of that 12 months, believed to be the final day of manufacturing for the L88.
Each vehicles have been handled to meticulous restorations, based on the public sale itemizing.
This is not the one historic muscle automotive duo at Mecum’s Florida public sale. The corporate can be providing 1970 Dodge Challenger and Plymouth Barracuda “pilot vehicles,” believed to be among the many earliest Chrysler E-Physique convertibles constructed, as soon as once more as a set.