Ever see a car parked behind a shop or in a garage with faded paint that gives hints of its former glory? The days of finding an old drag car are numbered, but they’re still out there. Bob B. found this 1957 Corvette last year that has several hints of its racing pedigree, but he’s trying to put the pieces of the puzzle together − maybe you can help?
As he told the story in Barn Finds, Bob purchased the Vette from a gentleman named Rick, who bought it from the widow of a Michigan gentleman named Mike Stuart. Mike owned it since the early-1970s but in a previous life it was campaigned in BM/SP as “Lil Twister” with a L79 327/350. If there is a successful racing pedigree with the Corvette, Bob would like to restore it in racing regalia; otherwise, he’s going to shoot for a factory-correct NCRS (National Corvette Restorers Society) restoration. Here are the hints:
- BM/SP (B Modified/Sports) was a racing class that existed from 1961-67
- The L79 motor was available starting in 1965
- “The painted-up logo and lettering and the 96 race number would seem to indicate that the car was somewhat established as opposed to just showing up at a drag race every now and then and putting on numbers with shoe polish.”
- “CHEVELAND” is written on the rear fenders. What does this mean? Was it a speed shop? Someone’s last name? A mashup of “Cleveland-area Chevrolet Dealers?” We don’t know where Bob is from but Cleveland is not terribly far away from the Great Lakes State.
If you have any leads to contribute, please visit BarnFinds.com and post them for Bob.
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