1973 Chevrolet Corvette C3 Coupe

In 1967, the race-oriented L-88 engined reached RPO (Regular Production Order). Development for this powerplant had begun during 1962 by Chevrolet's chief Corvette engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov and field-tested as the 'Heavy-Duty 427' engine fitted in Roger Penske's Sunoco-sponsored Corvette which was driven to victory at the 1966 Daytona 24 Hour race. In 1968, the L-88 earned a GT-class win at the 24 Hours of Daytona. Jerry Thompson and Tony De Lorenzo was very successful in American SCCA racing with the L-88 and won the A/Production title for 1969.

Luigi Chinetti's North American Racing Team (N.A.R.T.) won its class at LeMans in 1972 with an L-88 Corvette.

In total, just 216 examples of the L-88 Corvettes were built during the model's three-year production run.

This particular Corvette was built by Fred Kepler in 1972 from an original L-71 'Tri-Power' 427 car to race in FIA, IMSA, and SCCA Trans Am and A/Production. The car was prepared to full L-88 specification with the 427 engine offering 650 horsepower and mated to an M-22 'Rock Crusher' four-speed engine, with sponsorship by VelveTouch.

The car contested both SCCA Trans Am and IMSA events wearing numbers 26 and 36 respectively with co-drivers Bob Sharp and John Orr. This Corvette placed 2nd in GTO and 4th Overall at the Bryan IMSA three-hour race in September of 1972. In November of that year, this Corvette finished 5th in GTO and 10th Overall at the season finale IMSA Daytona 250.

In 1973, the Corvette continued to expand its credentials iwht a 10th place finish in the GT Class at the Watkins Glen six-hour FIA race. During the 1973 and 1974 seasons, the car also competed in SCCA Trans-Am at Watkins Glen.

Mr. Fred Kepler won the New York Region SCCA A/Production Championship in 1973 and was invited to compete at the elite-level American Road Race of Champions (AARC) at Road America. However, after leading for the first three laps, the Corvette was classified DNF with brake failure.

In 1974, Fred Kepler sold the Corvette to Tom Rynone who continued to campaign the car in SCCA A/Production, Trans Am and IMSA races. Co-drivers with Mr. Rynone included Neil and Michael Wiernicki, Mike Oleyar, and David Kicak.

The Corvette was eventually retired from racing following an accident at the FIA July 12, 1981 Watkins Glen 6-Hour. During 2000, Mr. Rynone sold the Corvette to the current owner, who had it totally restored with the frame off to its 1972/73 livery and maintaining many of the suspension components and other details from the early 1970s.

After the restoration was completed, the Corvette returned to the track at the invitational 2010 Rolex Monterey Historic Races at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, with the owner's son finishing 2nd to the fastest Porsche 935. At Sonoma, he took pole position and won its class against the same 935. At the 2011 Monterey Historics, this Corvette was awarded a Monterey Trophy for performance and historic presentation.

Currently, this Corvette is a restored period racing example powered by a proper L-88 427 V-8 offering 650 horsepower. The body, interior, paint, and lettering are all consistent with its active days of competition. It is listed in the Registry of Corvette racecars.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2017