1994 Guldstrand Corvette GS90

Dick Guldstrand had a very successful racing career that ranged from dir-track racing to the 24 Hours of LeMans. He won numerous SCCA races, led his class at LeMans until a connecting rod forced his departure 13 hours into the race, and had numerous other accomplishments. His history is closely linked with Corvette, helping it gain international notoriety on the world's greatest stages, and he was known to many as 'Mr. Corvette.'

After retiring from racing, Mr. Guldstrand applied his many talents and skills to tuning and building cars. The GS 90 was his first (and only) attempt at building a coach-built Corvette. It was based on the Corvette ZR-1 chassis and engine and endowed with numerous mechanical and aesthetic modifications. It was a complete conversion, with only the side windows, rearview mirrors, and windshield remaining stock. Every panel was made of carbon fiber and every scoop or vent was functional. The length was reduced by six inches and the rear was widened by four inches. The styling was smooth and softened, with a rounded nose, exposed project-beam headlights, and a wraparound rear panel containing a dozen taillights. 18-inch OZ aluminum wheels were placed at all four corners concealing Brembo brakes and the suspension was modified by Guldstrand. At least one example was powered by an all-aluminum four-cam engine designed by Lotus, while others received a Vortech supercharger to the LT-1 powerplant, boosting output from 300 hp to approximately 420 bhp.

The Nassau Blue with white racing stripe paint scheme was a nod to the 1963 Grand Sports which Guldstrand drove for Penske. The numerous taillights were also the same setup used on the Grand Sports.

The Guldstrand GS-90 satisfied both form and function, backed by performance that was stunning, capable of racing from zero-to-sixty mph in the low 4-second range, and a top speed exceeding 175 mph. The car's Achille's heel was its price, as a stock ZR-1 cost $72,200 and the GS90 conversion added an additional $134,500 - for a total of $206,200. As a result, only six GS90s were built.

by Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2021