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Callaway Cars announces, with deepest sadness, the passing of our Founder and CEO, Ely Reeves Callaway III, on Tuesday, July 11, at his home in Newport Beach, California, from injuries sustained after a fall.
Reeves was a legendary figure in the world of high-performance automobiles. Entirely self-taught, Reeves founded the company in 1977 from his garage in Old Lyme, Connecticut.
His first product success was an aftermarket turbo kit for BMW, which renowned automotive journalist Don Sherman reviewed favorably that year in Car and Driver. The rest was history as Reeves, a Formula Vee champion driver prior to becoming a constructor, moved with his customary speed to open Callaway Cars' first headquarters in Old Lyme, Connecticut.
Over the four decades since, Reeves and Callaway Cars have continued to earn top accolades from media, the automotive industry, and the global motorsports world as a pioneer of "Powerfully Engineered Automobiles". His unique performance and design innovations have delivered track and road-going successes for global marques, including BMW, Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, Land Rover, Mazda and General Motors, who looked to Callaway's innovation, creativity, agility, and performance to help accomplish their goals.
Reeves is perhaps best known for his work with Corvette, a deep and high-level relationship with the American sports car manufacturer that began in 1987 and culminated with two industry firsts:
• The Callaway Twin Turbo Corvette "B2K" designation, a factory code to signify the GM stamp of approval to permit sale and distribution of the Callaway Corvette via the Chevrolet Dealer network which, in turn, earned Callaway Cars the rare honor of becoming designated a Specialty Vehicle Manufacturer.
• The second was a world-first record: in 1989, Callaway Cars built a Twin Turbo Corvette, dubbed "The Sledgehammer" that blew away all the competition by setting a production-car top speed record of 254.76 mph. Not until 2010, 21 years later, did Bugatti break Callaway's record by achieving a 267.85 mph in a Veyron Super Sport.
In 1994, Reeves launched a Germany-based racing unit, Callaway Competition, with partners Ernst Wöhr and Giovanni Ciccone. International recognition was achieved by their successes at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and later a European GT racing team which ultimately led to authorization by GM to construct and homologate C6- and C7-generation GT3 race cars for international competition.
Reeves was one of the last and most successful one-man, single-vision practitioners of hyper-performing internal combustion automobiles. It's a rare-air field that includes the likes of Ettore Bugatti, Ferry Porsche, and Enzo Ferrari, to name a few.
Reeves' vision, creativity, and innovation encompassed not only automotive engineering, but aviation and aerospace as well with Callaway Carbon, Inc.
A longtime helicopter pilot and Board Director for Kaman Corporation, Reeves was in recent years a founding adviser to a hydrogen-powered and composite-intensive, blended-wing aircraft start-up with funding from NASA and the Air Force.
"Thanks to Reeves' visionary entrepreneurial spirit, Callaway Cars will continue to innovate and grow in the 21st century, inspired by his unique, extraordinary vision, and by his personal example of integrity, resourcefulness, and leadership as our founder," says his son Peter Reeves Callaway, the company's President. “Dad’s passion for making beautifully designed and crafted machines can be seen in each and every project, and we remain devoted to executing to the highest standards, in true Callaway fashion. He was rarely found doing anything other than working towards the next milestone for the company. He was a charismatic leader with a sense of humor that we will all remember through various “Reeves-isms”. I feel fortunate to have grown up working with him and the company.”
Mike Zoner, the Chief Operating Officer of Callaway Cars, remembers him:
"I have had the privilege of working with Reeves and helping him innovate for over 35 years. Reeves always strived to make the finest vehicles and products, and then improve them. His support of our customers, partners, and team members was unwavering. We shall carry his vision and mission forward and continue to grow the company he founded and built into innovative future products that he would applaud as we honor his legacy."
The first son of Ely Reeves Callaway, Jr., the founder of Callaway Golf, and brother of publisher Nicholas Callaway, Reeves proudly epitomized the entrepreneurial Callaway family tradition of making the finest goods that enhance an individual's enjoyment, performance and lifestyle.
A true gentleman, he was the devoted father of four and grandfather of two.
His large circle of friends, colleagues and admirers around the world will mourn his passing and miss him deeply.
Further communiqués from Callaway Cars will be forthcoming.
Callaway Cars creates commercial value by providing driving enthusiasts with maximum satisfaction. We produce specialty vehicles, engineering services, and performance products that showcase technological sophistication, artistry in design, and beauty in craftsmanship.
The Kaman Corporation develops highly-engineered products for customers in diversified industries where product performance is critical. As an OEM, and producer of subassemblies, components and parts, Kaman is focused on continuous innovation in materials, processes and solutions.
Last edited by SurfnSun; Oct 15, 2025 at 10:52 AM.
It's a sad week in the Callaway Cars' World with the passing of ERC III. Taking a bit of time to reflect on not just the significance of Reeves' milestones and what he did for the Corvette world, it's especially important to think about why WE are HERE. Here, talking about the excitement of Callaway Corvettes/vehicles, and what they have meant to us.
In the mid-80s, I was a young enthusiast who never thought I'd own a Corvette. I used to read all the magazines (remember magazines?) and daydream about owning a Corvette. As the fourth generation of Corvette evolved, Chevrolet looked to further the performance of the car and ultimately called Callaway to apply their engineering with turbocharging. The iconic B2K Callaway Twin Turbo Corvette was born. I couldn't read enough about these cars as they evolved. I've been a fan from the beginning, all the way back to 1986.
In June 1988 I went to Bob Rosenthal Chevrolet in Arlington VA where the Corvette Club of America was having their Corvette show. Inside the showroom was a black on black Callaway Corvette coupe. Spina Bifida was raffling the car and I remember thinking it would be a great way to get a Callaway Corvette. The MSRP was $64,000. I ended up buying a black on black 1989 Corvette coupe the following year. The MSRP was $36,000. I continued to daydream about Callaway Corvettes when driving it and loved that car. Still have it today.
1992, B2K ended, and I got a nice letter from Reeves Callaway inviting me to consider one of his SuperNatural engines for one of my cars I had at that time. I ended up going a different direction, but still have that letter in my files...
In 1999, Hemmings Motor News arrived in the mailbox and like each month before, scoured the ads. A guy named Rocky Santiago was selling a pair of Callaway Corvettes. the former 1990 Turquoise B2K Demo convertible AeroBody, plus a 1989 Red B2K Coupe with AeroBody. Given my love for a red 1989 AeroBody coupe like I had seen on the cover of the May 1989 issue of Car and Driver Magazine, I found a twin. Timing wasn't right, as my wife was 8 months pregnant and while the car only had 1,600 miles from new, it wasn't meant to be.
in 2000, I drove my first Callaway Corvette when a local guy was selling his 1989 red Convertible AeroBody. I picked up the phone and called Old Lyme. Reeves Callaway answered and we chatted about the car. He remembers the car, as it was #89-069, the last one built that year. He remarked however, whoever ordered that car had no taste. It was red / red with a white top. It was like a rolling valentine. I could not buy the car - not for any price. The man didn't approve of it... But in 2001 the same red 1989 AeroBody came available again. I bought it and began the next level of enthusiasm.
In that time, not much was being talked about online for Callaway and magazine articles were scarce. Something had to be done to relight the Callaway flame.
Online, through the virtual meeting of other like-minded enthusiasts, we decided to get together at Corvettes at Carlisle in August and with that, I got to work on the 2002 Callaway Reunion. It was a huge success and brought together not only the Callaway loyalists, but some new owners, and also personally introduced so many of us to Reeves Callaway. Reeves' commitment that week to the B2K owners was awesome, and he loved to see the excitement over his cars. Many of this who attended the show are still around - many, I consider my best friends in life.
Leading up to the Carlisle Callaway Reunion in 2002, I had coined the name - The Callaway Owners Group. With the help and feedback of people like Josh, Pete, Luigi, JK, Jeroen, and others, we've grown the COG over the years and led the charge for owners to have a place to call home. The Callaway Owners Group remains dedicated to the cars which brought so many of us together and built some awesome memories. Thinking about what these cars have brought into my life both personally and professionally, I am blessed to have have been a part of the Callaway history for decades. Blessed for the opportunities to experience so many of these special cars, and even more, being able to have considered Reeves Callaway a personal friend.
So many memories, all of them are priceless. I have owned five Callaway vehicles over the decades, and driven so many more. I've driven most of the B2K Speedsters, all the Twin Turbo ZR-1s, many C12s, C16s, LM models, and more. The most iconic however, probably the times I had behind the wheel of the Callaway Sledgehammer Corvette. Going for a ride in the car with Callaway's Designer, Paul Deutschman, later on, I got to drive the car on several occasions. The one and only Callaway Sledgehammer Corvette.
Aside from the cars, some of the drives with Reeves were interesting. Sometimes in a rental car, other times in something more exotic. A Bentley Continental GT stands out as a memorable one. Same with the time we drove a KW T600 loaded with Callaway's in the back of the transporter. But even more memorable were the conversations. In 2018, Reeves talked about getting another helicopter. Other times, he talked about life, family, and philosophies. He was a neat guy. He was a generous person, and genuine. His way about telling a story, the guy could read the phone book and make it sound interesting.
I could go on and on for days about why Reeves was a special person. He was accomplished, he was unique, and down to earth, overall. A genuine nice fella. I am glad to have known him. I am glad for all who I have met over the decades.
As Reeves would say, Drive Fast, Often. God Bless.
It's a sad week in the Callaway Cars' World with the passing of ERC III. Taking a bit of time to reflect on not just the significance of Reeves' milestones and what he did for the Corvette world, it's especially important to think about why WE are HERE. Here, talking about the excitement of Callaway Corvettes/vehicles, and what they have meant to us.
In the mid-80s, I was a young enthusiast who never thought I'd own a Corvette. I used to read all the magazines (remember magazines?) and daydream about owning a Corvette. As the fourth generation of Corvette evolved, Chevrolet looked to further the performance of the car and ultimately called Callaway to apply their engineering with turbocharging. The iconic B2K Callaway Twin Turbo Corvette was born. I couldn't read enough about these cars as they evolved. I've been a fan from the beginning, all the way back to 1986.
In June 1988 I went to Bob Rosenthal Chevrolet in Arlington VA where the Corvette Club of America was having their Corvette show. Inside the showroom was a black on black Callaway Corvette coupe. Spina Bifida was raffling the car and I remember thinking it would be a great way to get a Callaway Corvette. The MSRP was $64,000. I ended up buying a black on black 1989 Corvette coupe the following year. The MSRP was $36,000. I continued to daydream about Callaway Corvettes when driving it and loved that car. Still have it today.
1992, B2K ended, and I got a nice letter from Reeves Callaway inviting me to consider one of his SuperNatural engines for one of my cars I had at that time. I ended up going a different direction, but still have that letter in my files...
In 1999, Hemmings Motor News arrived in the mailbox and like each month before, scoured the ads. A guy named Rocky Santiago was selling a pair of Callaway Corvettes. the former 1990 Turquoise B2K Demo convertible AeroBody, plus a 1989 Red B2K Coupe with AeroBody. Given my love for a red 1989 AeroBody coupe like I had seen on the cover of the May 1989 issue of Car and Driver Magazine, I found a twin. Timing wasn't right, as my wife was 8 months pregnant and while the car only had 1,600 miles from new, it wasn't meant to be.
in 2000, I drove my first Callaway Corvette when a local guy was selling his 1989 red Convertible AeroBody. I picked up the phone and called Old Lyme. Reeves Callaway answered and we chatted about the car. He remembers the car, as it was #89-069, the last one built that year. He remarked however, whoever ordered that car had no taste. It was red / red with a white top. It was like a rolling valentine. I could not buy the car - not for any price. The man didn't approve of it... But in 2001 the same red 1989 AeroBody came available again. I bought it and began the next level of enthusiasm.
In that time, not much was being talked about online for Callaway and magazine articles were scarce. Something had to be done to relight the Callaway flame.
Online, through the virtual meeting of other like-minded enthusiasts, we decided to get together at Corvettes at Carlisle in August and with that, I got to work on the 2002 Callaway Reunion. It was a huge success and brought together not only the Callaway loyalists, but some new owners, and also personally introduced so many of us to Reeves Callaway. Reeves' commitment that week to the B2K owners was awesome, and he loved to see the excitement over his cars. Many of this who attended the show are still around - many, I consider my best friends in life.
Leading up to the Carlisle Callaway Reunion in 2002, I had coined the name - The Callaway Owners Group. With the help and feedback of people like Josh, Pete, Luigi, JK, Jeroen, and others, we've grown the COG over the years and led the charge for owners to have a place to call home. The Callaway Owners Group remains dedicated to the cars which brought so many of us together and built some awesome memories. Thinking about what these cars have brought into my life both personally and professionally, I am blessed to have have been a part of the Callaway history for decades. Blessed for the opportunities to experience so many of these special cars, and even more, being able to have considered Reeves Callaway a personal friend.
So many memories, all of them are priceless. I have owned five Callaway vehicles over the decades, and driven so many more. I've driven most of the B2K Speedsters, all the Twin Turbo ZR-1s, many C12s, C16s, LM models, and more. The most iconic however, probably the times I had behind the wheel of the Callaway Sledgehammer Corvette. Going for a ride in the car with Callaway's Designer, Paul Deutschman, later on, I got to drive the car on several occasions. The one and only Callaway Sledgehammer Corvette.
Aside from the cars, some of the drives with Reeves were interesting. Sometimes in a rental car, other times in something more exotic. A Bentley Continental GT stands out as a memorable one. Same with the time we drove a KW T600 loaded with Callaway's in the back of the transporter. But even more memorable were the conversations. In 2018, Reeves talked about getting another helicopter. Other times, he talked about life, family, and philosophies. He was a neat guy. He was a generous person, and genuine. His way about telling a story, the guy could read the phone book and make it sound interesting.
I could go on and on for days about why Reeves was a special person. He was accomplished, he was unique, and down to earth, overall. A genuine nice fella. I am glad to have known him. I am glad for all who I have met over the decades.
As Reeves would say, Drive Fast, Often. God Bless.
Thank you for sharing this. You are so fortunate to have had this experience with Reeves and all the owners, may he rest in peace.
In the Spring or Summer of 1989, I remember hearing my first Callaway Twin Turbo Corvette. It was surreal.
On a 2 lane local road, I heard what sounded like nothing else before... It was a Dark Red Met. coupe... A 1987 Callaway with NACA Ducts on the hood. The car thundered as it went past in the opposite way. The Megaphones sounded triumphant. I made a U-Turn and followed the car...
It went about a mile-and-a-half, turning into the local strip mall. I went up to the car as two guys got out... The driver, I asked him, "...is that a Callaway Corvette?" He said, "go look for yourself" - and he went into Trak Auto, the local auto parts place. Going over to look more closely, I saw the boost gauge in the dash and the rest of the Callaway details. It was the real deal.
Over the years to follow, went to the drag strip with those guys, as they introduced me to the 1/4 mile track from a participant's perspective. The guy with the Callaway tracked the heck out of the car and ragged on it pretty hard. But it was glorious to watch him enjoy what he bought, even if rough on the equipment. The other guy, his passenger, he had a B&M SuperVette which was my introduction to supercharged Corvettes. It had a Callaway boost gauge in the dash, as the other fella had ordered him that as a spare.
Over the past several days I have reflected on so much about these cars and the people involved. Thanks for the memories, Reeves.
I still have the spare boost gauge from the B&M SV...
Ely Reeves Callaway III
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
