1985 Chevrolet Camaro

Sold for $117,600 at 2022 RM Sothebys : Amelia Island.
Peerless Racing's Camaro, driven primarily by Jack Baldwin, was well ahead of its time and bears more resemblance to a prototype than a GT car with a carbon-fiber tub, partially stressed engine, suspension from a March GTP car, and experimental drivetrain.

The mastermind behind this exotic was Brad Francis, a well-known motorsports engineer from Canada, and now a member of the Canadian Motorsports Hall of Fame. Francis designed two chassis for Bob Carson's Peerless Racing Enterprises. This is the first car ordered by Chevrolet in 1985 identified as #851.

This car was destroyed in a horrific accident on the front straight during a historic racing event at Daytona in the Fall of 1999, ironically, while Jack Baldwin was at the wheel. Fortunately, Baldwin was not hurt, a testament to the carbon-fiber tub. The car has been fully restored using the original tub molds, blueprints, and under the supervision of Brad Francis before his passing in May of 2020.

Sold for $117,600 at 2022 RM Sothebys : Amelia Island.
Bob Carson's Peerless Racing tasked Brad Francis to build a purpose-built GT racecar version of the Camaro. Francis designed a carbon-fiber tub with a partially stressed engine mounting and suspension components sourced from the March 85G. It was designed to accept three different engines with its most successful setup employing a small-block Chevrolet V-8 with Hilborn fuel injection and Holey EFI control. Currently, it is paired with a new G-Force 5-speed gearbox, the engine develops approximately 660 horsepower and 525 pound-feet of torque. Power is transmitted via a Frankland quick-change rear axle.

The Peerless Camaro contested seven races during the 1985 season and achieved one podium finish. The following year, with Jack Baldwin at the wheel, it won three races including the Miami Grand Prix, and finished 3rd on two occasions. By the end of the year, Baldwin was awarded 3rd place in the driver's standings. Three victories were added to the vehicle's resume in 1986, and including the 1987 season, the Camaro would have 28 starts and 11 top-ten finishes.

The car has since been restored and refinished in the livery used at the 1987 24 Hours of Daytona, featuring Levi Garrett sponsorship. The three-year restoration was completed in 2018 and displayed at the 2019 Rolex Heritage Exhibition held in conjunction with the 24 Hours of Daytona. In 2021, it won a class award at the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2022