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1976 Chevrolet Corvette Widebody

At the 1974 Detroit Auto Show, the public got their first glimpse of the wide-body Chevrolet Corvette. It was immediately given the nickname 'Batmobile' by the press. The vehicle, based on the third-generation Corvette, had been constructed for SCCA and IMSA road racing competition.

1976 Chevrolet Corvette Widebody photo
Coupe
Chassis #: GMGarcia76
View info and history
The wide-body, also known as slab-side, was constructed in such a way as to comply with racing regulations, improve aerodynamics, reduce lift, add extra down-force, and improve ventilation. The nose sat very low to the ground because the body was dropped around the frame.

The car made its racing debut at Road Atlanta after two years of development and testing. Bobby Allison's big-block Camaro provided stiff competition in the ten lap race but in the end, it was the Corvette that took top honors. That was the beginning of a successful season and an impressive racing career.

In 1972 John Greenwood raced a Corvette in one of the world's most famous, prestigious, and grueling races – the 24 Hours of LeMans. He was teamed with comedian Dick Smothers and together they qualified 38th. After 10 hours of the race, the team was forced to retire, however, they had managed to last an hour longer than the team car driven by Alain Cudini and Bernard Darniche.

1976 Chevrolet Corvette Widebody photo
Coupe
Chassis #: GMGarcia76
View info and history
The following year Greenwood returned to LeMans with the famous Chevrolet dealer Don Yenko in a two-car effort. Unfortunately, both vehicles were unable to achieve the desired success.

Three years later Greenwood returned to LeMans, this time with his wide-body Corvettes. With over 700 horsepower of fuel-injected big-block muscle, the cars were reported to have a top speed of 240 mph. Adorned with an American flag paint scheme, the Greenwood Corvette qualified 9th. Unfortunately, the car was DNF'd due to a failed fuel-cell after just five hours of racing.

Though the desired success was not achieved at LeMans, the car did prove its potential state-side by dominating many of the races it entered. While at LeMans it achieved 228 mph, a true testament to its potent engine and excellent aerodynamics.

The cars have been featured in magazines such as Hot Rod Magazine and Road & Track. It was even hailed by many as the 'fastest Corvette in the world.'


by Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2007

1976 Chevrolet Corvette Widebody Vehicle Profiles

1976 Chevrolet Corvette Widebody vehicle information
Coupe

Chassis #: 12
1976 Chevrolet Corvette Widebody vehicle information
Coupe

Chassis #: CC007
1976 Chevrolet Corvette Widebody vehicle information
Coupe

Chassis #: GMGarcia76

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