One of the most renowned Corvette racers in history will make its debut at the 8th Annual Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance March 7-9, 2003.

One of only five ever built, Corvette Grand Sport #004 has spent 10 months undergoing a comprehensive restoration. The result is a remarkably detailed and authentic renewal of an American racing icon.just in time to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Corvette.

During the glory days of road racing in the 1960's, GS#004 was battling under the stewardship of several notable owners & drivers. Grady Davis & Dick Thompson scored the 1st win for a Grand Sport with #004 at Watkins Glen in August 1963. John Mecom & Roger Penske trounced the Cobras at the 1963 Nassau Speed Week with the car. Delmo Johnson & Dave Morgan fought the 12 hours of Sebring in #004 against the factory mid-engine Ferraris & GT40s in 1964 and 1965.

With Grand Sport #004 owning the most successful race record of the five cars, due diligence was required to assure that all factors were weighed before finally deciding on GS#004's most significant "point in time" for the restoration. During the process, considerable attention was given to retaining the original parts still with GS#004, and locating and re-fitting any parts that were removed during its vintage racing history. Hundreds of original Grand Sport photographs, the factory GS blueprints, and, most importantly, owner and driver recollections were added into the knowledge and documentation of the car to help determine how GS#004 should be restored.

The owner of GS#004 patiently insisted that no detail should be consciously overlooked during the restoration; and none were. Special empathy was given to retain certain unique elements of the car for authenticity sake: A certain amount of waviness, as exists in the thin hand laid cloth fiberglass body panels, was accommodated rather than discouraged. Minor dents & scrapes (racing

"patina")

were left in the frame tubes. The paint used is 1960's acrylic lacquer, complete with typical orange peel & over-spray.

The suspension and driveline components are true to the "point in time". The power is provided by a prototype "0" prefix casting 377 engine with four Weber 58mm carbs mounted on a cross ram intake. The brakes are exactly as fitted by Chevrolet Engineering Center in 1963 with no enhancements. Essentially, all components used on GS#004 are "as raced" or factory installed. No braided stainless steel hoses and lines. No dry sump lubrication, angle plug heads or modern brake calipers.

Just pure "1960's state-of-the-art" components, as original.

The only exception to period correct fittings is the use of modern-day safety equipment such as a halon fire suppression system and 5 point driver restraints in anticipation of the next step in the process. After debuting at Amelia Island, plans are to further enhance GS#004's appearance by turning some serious laps on racetracks to add some true "race car patina".

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