Callaway has become a synonymous name with Corvettes over decades, but one project still evokes all sorts of feelings: the Sledgehammer.
In its day, the Sledgehammer was a supercar killer, and its performance specifications still impress by today’s standards. Under the Callaway Corvette’s hood sits a small-block V8 engine with twin turbos producing 898 horsepower and 772 pound-feet of torque. During the project, Callaway installed a roll cage, but Reeves Callaway, the company’s founder, insisted the car keep all of its factory options such as the radio and air conditioning.
The Sledgehammer team worked hard to create an incredibly powerful car, but one that a driver could still manage on a day-to-day basis with creature comforts. Not to mention, it set a speed record of 254.7 mph… in 1988.
Motorweek had the chance to climb behind the wheel of the iconic car and documented the legendary vehicle’s history in the video above. Press play to dive into the Sledgehammer’s history.
Comments
They had considered going for 300 MPH but never went back. I spoke to John Lingenfelter about this and he said they could have done it with more engine work but the program just stalled out.
The engine had a lot of input from John Lingenfelter. It was not just a standard Callaway with more boost.
Reed Krider was the goodyear engineer and talked about the run. He said they knew he was fast even before the car got to them.
Just a year or so before they took a 962 from Hobert and the Tim Richmond Monte Carlo to the TRC track in Ohio and the Monte out ran the 962 with Lemans body work. I think it topped 230 MPH.
I remember reading about the car back in 1988 – simply amazing for the era. I believe it held the to speed record for nearly two decades – until the Bugatti (sp?) came along.
It was on the auction block at Mecum in Orlando a couple of years back, but didn’t meet reserve. I think it was projected to go for $775k.
This is my lottery car. When I win, I’ll call.