Ron MN Blue

I am a regular on the C5 and C2 Forums but would like some information.

At my high school class reunion last night, never mind how many years, I ran into a friend with a '90 Corvette Challenge car. This is one of the cars not turned into a race car, but sold in the dealership. Big brakes, 6sp. etc. The lucky guys wife bought it for him new on his
40th birthday.

At any rate, what kind of information can you give me on the Challenge cars? Are they rare? Will the value be higher than a non-challenge car? This is an area I am weak on Corvette history and didn't know I was weak until last night.

Thanks,
Ron

1985 Corvette

I'm a little bare on my Corvette Challenge info as well. The race cars should be pretty valuable. Someone on here was trying to sell the TPI running gear off one for $1500 or so. I believe the whole idea of the Corvette Challenge was the result of being banned from racing with other production model cars of the 80's.

65Z01

In '90 dealers could order Corvettes destined for the World Challenge race series. Merchandizing code was R9G, which included heavy duty springs with the FX3 option and 23 such vehicles were built.

Souds like a rather rare beast me...

Ron MN Blue

Keep the info coming.

Mekanic

they must be pretty rare, cause I had no idea they even existed at all

I knew about the Challenge cars, the vettes were dominating every series they entered, and were therefore banned, so the Challenge series was created special for them.

I didn't know you could get one from the factory built to challenge specs tho

Mekanic

I take it back, the 88 and the 89 came from the factory race prepped and ready to go. The 90 the purchaser was responsible for all race mods....


History:

The 1990 Corvette had its own code like the '88 & 89's did, it was dubbed the "R9G" Corvette. The documentation from GM clearly indicates that the cars were produced for the express purpose of racing in the SCCA World Challenge Series. There is also documentation that identifies by serial number, all Corvettes produced with these option codes. Therefore, it is relatively easy to validate the authenticity of any R9G Corvette.

Each of the twenty three 1990 R9G Corvettes were designated strictly for racing. Although collectors ended up getting their hands on this very rare commodity and stowing them away in their garages for safe keeping. There were also some race teams that took the car to the next level, such as Tommy Morrison, Kim Baker and etc.

During 1990, Chevrolet dealers could order Corvettes destined for the new World Challenge race series. Merchandising code R9G offered such items as heavy-duty springs with FX3 adjustable suspension as part of the package. Engines were base 5.7 liter models with no special preparations like the 1988 and 1989 Challenge engines. Owners were also responsible for all race modifications.

Riks40th

Love the Challenge Cars...

This year Mid America Motorworks will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Corvette Challenge Race Series. Twenty years ago the Challenge Race Series was born out of the dominance of Corvette in the SCCA Racing Series. Funfest attendees will have the chance to meet the drivers, team owners and significant figures that put the excitement in this period of Corvette Racing history...

Rik

pologreen1

those are so awsome !! and I love the rims!

BrianCunningham

Me too, strange exhaust on them though

C-4 Now

There was a low mile mint R9G car at Bloomington Gold auction a few years ago [04?]don't remember final bid but know it didn't sell.

ED77KATR

They were built from 1988-1990, but only 23 were ordered in 1990. They were factory race cars in 88&89 but a dealer ordered option in 1990. If im wrong correct me??? Read it in a book. The last 23 are very rare, The late Chip miller of carlise fame put a new in the wrapper Red 1990 away never driven. A pic of it is in "The Complete story of Corvette" by Randy leffingwell pages 315-317

SCCA VETTE

Thanks for the good pics. I have never seen a couple of those. For some reason I seem to like the 42 car the best.

adi4

I liked the look of the challenge cars I did my own variation on my 1990.

SCCA VETTE

Ron MN Blue

Any more information out there?

Calderone

tachout

here is another challenge car shot



or is it? found it with some race shots I have

Rathbone

I believe the Z07 option which came out in about '92 was the intended replacement option for people who wanted to order a Vette to go racing. If you check, the "Corvette Black Book" seems to confirm this. My ZO7 was ordered "leather delete", and has no options outside the go-fast goodies required to get the Zo7.

Mekanic

Thats no challenge car, thats a ZR1!

wow, thats a shot I've never seen before, someone has to provide more info on that

blkc6z51

Here's some good info for you.

http://showyourcorvette.com/