Corvette 'Cheetah'
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 984
Likes: 1
From: SAN FRANCISCO CA
i always felt like the pontiac solstice was kinda "cheetah" like. now i'm pretty sure it is...
as for being a "corvette", i don't think i'd go that far just because it's frame is shared.
as for being a "corvette", i don't think i'd go that far just because it's frame is shared.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,429
Likes: 0
From: Tucson AZ
Google Bill Thomas and find the original Cheetah. There is a company in Phoenix, I think that's remanufacturing these things with Bill's blessing.
Did the Cheetah start life as a Corvette? I didn't think it did, other than the engine, maybe.
Did the Cheetah start life as a Corvette? I didn't think it did, other than the engine, maybe.
Senior Member since 1492
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 87,922
Likes: 156
From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...
St. Jude Donor '09
I think they only "sold" a hand full of them back in the 60's. I remember seeing one in Pittsburgh on the streets and then at the world of Wheels. (It was probably called something else back then but it was the national custom car show) Hard core ride for sure.
Rumor is that a guy near Pgh still has an original, supposed to live in Churchill I believe.
Rumor is that a guy near Pgh still has an original, supposed to live in Churchill I believe.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 4,206
Likes: 8
From: Belmar NJ
Only 16 cars were made before a fire wiped out the shop. These were sorta privateer Grand Sports (to keep Chevy in the winners circle in the modified classes of the day) but while fast in the straights, scary in the corners. If GM kills Saturn and Pontiac, they should continue with their coupe plans and call it Cheetah.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,100
Likes: 12
From: Frederick Maryland
It was actually a mid-engine car...there was no driveshaft...the transmission shared the universal joint with the differential. Bill Thomas wanted Chevrolet support as a Cobra killer, but GM didn't want to as it was competition to the Corvette itself.
The car was so small and light it had a power to weight ratio that was incredible. With enough engineering time to sort out the inevitable design issues of such a small, private venture, there would have been nothing that could have touched it.
The car was so small and light it had a power to weight ratio that was incredible. With enough engineering time to sort out the inevitable design issues of such a small, private venture, there would have been nothing that could have touched it.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,136
Likes: 62
From: West Kingston RI
Attfay Elleybay or Vettepower mind sharing what you started with for the base of your rear wing. I really like the look and would like to do something similar to mine if you don't mind sharing.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,214
Likes: 4,301
From: Westminster Maryland
There was a 'new' Cheetah at Carlisle last summer. It wasn't quite finished and had odd paint job. I'm not sure if it was one of those coming from Phoenix. It was pretty roughly put together.
Regards,
Alan
Regards,
Alan
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,000
Likes: 1
From: Minneapolis, Mn USA
Funny-thats exactly my first thought!!!!!!!
Give me one of these for a week. I'd want tinted windows on it, so I didn't have to worry about all the stares. I'd love to put the hammer down with a car that light!!!
Give me one of these for a week. I'd want tinted windows on it, so I didn't have to worry about all the stares. I'd love to put the hammer down with a car that light!!!
Last edited by MN-Brent; May 19, 2009 at 12:02 AM.
Drifting
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,491
Likes: 2
From: North Royaton Ohio
Shoot there's a guy up here in Cleveland that still builds them for customers. He actually got me a set of U joints for free, but for the life in me, I can't remember his name.
I've seen a few of his cars at some cruise-ins over the years. I'll figure out his name sooner or later...
I've seen a few of his cars at some cruise-ins over the years. I'll figure out his name sooner or later...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,625
Likes: 0
From: Cut n Shoot TX
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,136
Likes: 62
From: West Kingston RI
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 809
Likes: 8
From: brewster NY
