- Original C4 Corvette Challenge Race Car Pops Up for Sale
- Rare Racer
- Factory Sealed
- Unlevel Playing Field
- High Price Tag
- True Survivor
- Future Collectible
Original C4 Corvette Challenge Race Car Pops Up for Sale
Somebody got a heck of a deal on this rare C4 Corvette Challenge race car.
Rare Racer
As many Corvette fans are already aware, the Corvette Challenge was formed back in 1988 after the C4 generation was booted from the SCCA’s Showroom Stock racing class following years of domination. Instead, that racing body created the Corvette Challenge, which proceeded to run for two years, and this particular example – one of just 60 used in competition in 1989 – recently popped up for sale at Mecum’s Indy auction.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
Factory Sealed
What’s particularly interesting about this C4 Corvette Challenge racer is the fact that it’s still powered by its original, factory-sealed powerplant, as well as its original factory livery. This isn’t typically the case with most race cars, which have been treated to multiple engine replacements or rebuilds over their lifetimes, of course.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
Unlevel Playing Field
The premise of the Corvette Challenge was to level the proverbial playing field, making all cars identical and offering drivers a 1 million dollar prize to lure in some serious talent. However, in year one, accusations arose that some competitors had modified their cars and that power levels were uneven across the board, so everyone’s engine was subsequently replaced with new units from a certified GM shop.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
High Price Tag
The Corvette Challenge went on to enjoy a successful couple of seasons with hard-fought action, but ultimately, it proved far too expensive for it to be viable for the long haul. This particular car somehow escaped without being one of the models that had its original powerplant replaced as well, making it a truly special example.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
True Survivor
Coming from the Ed Foss Collection, this C4 Corvette Challenge racer has just 3,144 miles on the clock and still features all of its original gear including a roll cage, fire system, Challenge car seats, seat belts, brake ducts, upgraded exhaust system, oil cooler, and real magnesium Dymag wheels, which are wrapped with Goodyear Z-rated radial tires.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
Future Collectible
Despite its cool history and stunning condition, this particular racer only managed to garner a meager $39,600 at auction, which isn’t a massive surprise given the fact that it’s an underappreciated fourth-gen Corvette. Regardless, one day, that won’t be the case, and the new owner will be on the right end of the market with a pretty cool and rare machine.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
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