1963 Cheetah V8 classic racecar (project)

This is an unfinished project of a 1963 Cheetah V8 racecar. It is a recreation using genuine, period correct parts, and re-fabricated components. These iconic 60's American sportscars are now rare and very collectable. Based upon the 1963 Corvette, this was GM's answer to Ford's Cobra, and approximately 16 were built by Bill Thomas in Anaheim, California. They were faster than the Cobra - one was timed at 215 mph at Daytona in 1963!

Parts for this car were brought back to NZ from the USA in the 1970's, but the project was never completed. Now, because of too many other projects, the Cheetah is for sale.

One of these cars, with provenance and racing history, is currently for sale in the USA for US$585,000 (NZ$875,000). Because this Cheetah lacks history, it will not reach that value, however it will still be a very collectable and valuable classic racecar.

The project includes all 'period correct' parts...

> BODY : Original 'Fibreglass Trends' body (tilt front, main body and gull-wing doors).

> CHASSIS : Exact recreation of chrome-moly tube chassis.

> ENGINE : 1963 Corvette 327 cu. in. V8 (stroked to 377 in the factory racecars).

> GEARBOX : 4-speed M21 Muncie 'Rockcrusher' gearbox.

> DIFFERENTIAL : 1963 Corvette diff and half shafts.

> BRAKES / SUSPENSION : Corvette brakes and uprights with fabricated wishbones and trailing links.

> STEERING : Correct LHD Triumph Herald / Triumph Spitfire rack.

> WHEELS : 15" American Racing 'Torq Thrust' (not the BMW wheels in the images).

> WINDOWS : Pexiglass front and rear screens.

With a racing weight of approx 750kg, and a potential 500bhp, this will make a very potent classic racecar.

Included with the project are CAD drawings for the chassis and suspension; a collection of books, magazines, photos and research material; plus post-sale advice and information where possible.

NOTE : Some period images are shown in this auction.

The Cheetah is situated at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park. Phone John to organise a viewing.