Daytona-Winning 1968 Chevrolet Corvette L88 RED/NART To Fetch Big Bucks At RM Sotheby’s

Deep-pocketed Chevrolet aficionados hungry for a race-bred Corvette should make note of the 1968 Chevrolet Corvette RED/NART, which is set to fetch top dollar at RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction running August 13-15, 2015.

Powered by 427 ci OHV L88 V8 making 560 horsepower, the ‘68 RED/NART was born out of a desire to race at the 1972 Le Mans. The RED team initially applied to have its previous car, a factory-built and tuned L88-powered Corvette known as The Rebel qualify for Le Mans, but as GT-class rules demanded cars use mostly factory or original-style equipment, the RED team’s application was denied.

However, team sponsor Goodyear somehow managed to “finagle their way into Luigi Chinetti’s NART reserve slot, on the condition that RED’s Corvette be finished in Ferrari livery”, according to the listing. The RED team, managed by Toye English, accepted the conditions and immediately set about building a new Corvette, specially built to tackle Le Mans.

English then purchased a wrecked ’68 Corvette convertible for $600, added FIA-spec fender flares to its repaired and seam-welded body, and set about installing a number of fresh GM OEM drivetrains components. Hence, the ’68 Corvette RED/NART was born.

Red, white and blue paint was applied, and the RED team was ready to hit Le Mans in their new L88-powered racer. As luck would have it, Ferrari had also removed its prototypes from the race, and RED now had a guaranteed spot on the field.

Corvette L88 RED/NART Specs At A Glance

And that’s just one story in the car’s long and noble life, as the RED Corvette is steeped in race history. The fact that it has been authentically restored, certified, and features extensive documentation simply adds to its legacy and worth.

Having completed the 1972 24 Hours of Le Mans in NART livery and taken 1^st in class and 3^rd overall at the 1973 24 Hours of Daytona — among other race endeavors and accomplishments – there is no doubt this certified authentic RED/NART Ferrari Corvette will find a host of hungry bidders when it takes to the bidding block next month.

More info and pictures here.