Corvette Challenge C4s
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 661
Likes: 2
From: Centerville IA
Corvette Challenge C4s
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
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
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,385
Likes: 534
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.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
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...
Souds like a rather rare beast me...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,314
Likes: 3
From: In a van down by the river! Florida
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
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
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,314
Likes: 3
From: In a van down by the river! Florida
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.
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.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,848
Likes: 16
From: St. Louis, Mo......... 1993 Torch Red w/White Interior...2006-07 Bloomington Gold 2005-ZR1/C4 Gathering, 2001-2012 Funfest
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
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
Last edited by Riks40th; Aug 3, 2008 at 07:47 PM.
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Drifting
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,794
Likes: 1
From: Wildwood Crest New Jersey
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 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,374
Likes: 86
From: Corbin KY
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
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
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.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 407
Likes: 0
From: Palm Coast Florida
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.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,314
Likes: 3
From: In a van down by the river! Florida
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,156
Likes: 3
From: La Mesa CA