C3 Corvette Packs Divine 750-hp, Big-block 500ci V8
IMSA ‘SuperVette’ Corvette has a storied racing career and is arguably the superhero of Gen 3 Corvettes, with only two ever made.
In its “heyday,” the Greenwood SuperVette (quaintly named after the John Greenwood, one of the chief designers) was an absolute monster. Brutality on the 1977-78 International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) racing circuit would probably be an understatement. This 1977 Chevrolet C3 Corvette, courtesy of Canepa Motorsports, barely resembles its production brethren. In fact, it was quite literally a “FrankenVette,” to put it more accurately.
‘SuperVette’ Corvette Origins
Originally built by designer Bob Riley, John Greenwood, and Charlie Selix and Gary Pratt (now Pratt & Miller Engineering), this Corvette was customized to the gills. A full-tube chassis frame, magnesium brakes a la a Porsche 935, a 4-speed racing tranny from Jericho Performance, and a Lee Muir-built, Can-Am 500 cubic-inch, aluminum big-block V8 capable of 750 HP and 800 ft-lbs of torque. That last bit may sound more par for the course in today’s horsepower wars. But remember, this was bred for IMSA racing, and we’re talking 1978. That was more or less an era of vehicles where 150-plus horsepower on the street was “acceptable.”
This Corvette bears the model number “COV002,” and, as you probably already figured out, is the second tube-chassis Vette designed by Riley. Consequently, it would also be the last. It was driven to top of the line at least twice by John Paul Sr. of JLP Racing, racking in two podiums and three top five finishes before retiring it at the end of the 1978 IMSA season.
Shortly after taking a hiatus, Paul Sr. sold it to T&D Racing in 1980. The car then made its second racing debut in 1981 for 24 Hours of Daytona with none other than Greenwood as the driver. Unfortunately, a grenaded engine would spell instant disqualification at 24 Hours.
Since then, it went through several other collections before Canepa of Scotts Valley, California, got its hands on it and decided to restore it back to IMSA days.
Canepa’s Restoration
Canepa spent quite a bit of time getting the SuperVette back in presentable shape, paying special attention to the chrome-moly tubing, the body, bright baby blue paint, hood and rear wing. After painting and restoring the body components, they slowly reinstalled the parts, reinvigorating the once-begotten monstrous Vette back to its savage posture.
Despite going through what seems like a countless exchange of hands, it’s nonetheless a relief to see such an iconic part of Corvette history in fantastic shape again.
Photos: Canepa
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