After Hours: Racing Corvettes
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The Chevrolet Corvette has long been associated with older men, but its racing history and provenance are often overlooked.
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The Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles recently launched an exhibit called "Corvettes in Competition: Racing America's Sports Car" to showcase the racing heritage of the Corvette.
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The exhibit features the original 1953 Corvette roadster, which was loaned to NASCAR in 1955 and helped build the Corvette's reputation as a racing machine.
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Another significant car in the exhibit is the 1956 Corvette known as "The Real McCoy," which set a flying-mile record at Daytona Beach and helped save the Corvette from dismal sales.
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The 1960 Corvette coupe, owned by Briggs Cunningham, won first in its class and placed 9th overall in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, putting Corvette on the international racing map.
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The 1963 Corvette Grand Sport, designed by Larry Shinoda, was a stunning racing version of the C2 Corvette, with a lightweight chassis and a mid-engine layout.
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The Grand Sport #004 is the most desirable of the five racing versions, and all five cars still exist today, preserved by collectors.
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The exhibit allows visitors to experience the details and history of these iconic Corvette racing cars in person, providing a true delight for enthusiasts.
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