Vehicle Description
This exceptional recreation of the 1962 Chevrolet Corvette Grand
Sport (also known as the "Lightweight") is a one-of-a-kind example,
uniquely signed by Dick Thompson, "The Flying Dentist," who
achieved more race victories than any other notable driver of the
era. After driving and thoroughly inspecting the car at his Florida
retirement home, Thompson deemed it the only Grand Sport recreation
worthy of his signature, owing to its remarkable fidelity to the
original.
Meticulously engineered, this vehicle replicates 1962's car #5
(currently housed in Lakeland, Florida) while incorporating modern
enhancements. The suspension is upgraded to a Corvette C4 system,
replacing the original transverse leaf spring setup, and paired
with advanced adjustable coil-over shocks, delivering superior
handling. Even the frame mirrors the original design, constructed
from 4-inch mandrel-drawn steel tubing.
Performance highlights include a Moon cross-draft intake with four
Weber carburetors, providing instantaneous acceleration from a
Chevy 400 small block engine, producing approximately 475
horsepower. The Richmond 4-speed racing gearbox features a
heavy-duty mechanical clutch, while C4 Corvette brakes ensure
modern stopping power. Provisions for air jacks (two front, one
rear) remain unmounted, preserving the track-ready heritage of the
car.
Period-correct details abound: true knock-off wheels, a vintage
Stewart Warner fuel and rear-end cooling system, plexiglass
headlamp covers, and a historically accurate interior. The cockpit
features metal door panels, extra gauges, Lexan windows, and even
an 8mm movie camera mounted on a roll bar. Authentic touches like
the Grand Sport dash, speedometer, and tachometer complete the
homage.
This recreation is further distinguished by signatures from Dick
Thompson and Bob Tullius, a renowned racing figure and manager of
Jaguar Racing International, underscoring its connection to
motorsport history.
