The first 2007 Callaway C16 Speedster built is going up for sale to the general public for the first time.
Callaway has built numerous cool and ultra-powerful, ultra-fast Corvettes over the past few decades after making a name for itself with its twin-turbo C4 offerings. Since then, Callaway and the Corvette have become synonymous with each other, forging a lasting relationship that’s arguably stronger now than it’s ever been. However, not every vehicle to emerge from that company was built in any sort of quantity, nor is it easily recognizable to the casual fan. That includes this 2007 Callaway C16 Speedster up for grabs at Bring a Trailer, which is a true one-of-one.
Based on a regular 2007 model, this Callaway C16 Speedster was built specifically to show off at the 2007 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, after which it was sold to Lingenfelter Motor Sports in Brighton, Michigan. It has remained in their possession ever since, and is now going up for grabs in a very rare opportunity. After all, how many times will this machine be sold over the course of our lifetimes? Since this is really the first time, we’d wager not many.
Obviously, driving the C16 is guaranteed to turn heads even today, as the car’s fiberglass bodywork – designed by Paul Deutschman for Callaway – is still rather futuristic looking. The swoopy exterior features a host of additional vents built into the bodywork, dual fairings that hold racing helmets, shaved door handles, covered headlights, dual Lexan windscreens, and no top nor side glass, because who needs them in a proper roadster, er, Speedster?
The interior is our best clue that this build started life as a Corvette, but it has still been overhauled considerably. Blue leather covers many of the surfaces, including the seats, which feature Alcantara inserts, and there’s a Panasonic touchscreen infotainment system to help modernize the cabin a bit. Peek at the center console, and you’ll see a plaque designating this as C16 Speedster No. 1, which is a nice reminder of just how special it is.
Rolling on a set of Dymag carbon-magnesium wheels wrapped with 275/30ZR19 front and 325/25ZR20 rear Michelin Pilot Sport tires, this one-off beauty is also fitted with a Callaway/Eibach Multi-Pro 10-way adjustable coilover suspension and a braking system consisting of six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers with Callaway/StopTech carbon-ceramic rotors. As one might imagine, the Callaway C16 Speedster isn’t running some stock powerplant, but rather, a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 that pumps out 616 horsepower, which is mated to a six-speed manual transmission.
It isn’t everyday that a truly unique vehicle emerges for sale, and in this case, someone from the general public has the chance to bring home a cool piece of Callaway and Corvette history. The question, however, is how much will that privilege ultimately cost?
Photos: Bring a Trailer
Keyword: 2007 Callaway C16 Speedster Goes up for Auction in Once of a Lifetime Opportunity