1965 Corvette with 509ci Big Block

Something Special

Most C2 Corvettes you see these days are kept stock. And why not? You're talking about one of the most beautiful cars ever built, one that doesn't need frivolous upgrades or styling changes to be cool. But every so often, you come across a C2 that's truly special. A classic 'Vette like this black beauty owned by Jack Small and recently profiled by Hot Rod. 

Show and Go

Just by looking at it, you can already tell that Small's 'Vette is different than most. But that massive hood scoop and giant rear tires aren't just for show, mind you. This is no pro street trailer queen, something you might see in the '90s. Nope, this C2 is a serious drag car capable of ripping off 8-second time slips and winning show trophies. 

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Retirement Plan

But perhaps the best part of this story is Small's relationship with his Corvette. He's owned it since 1974. And after he retired, Small decided he was going to transform his beloved ride and become a serious drag racer. To that degree, we'd call his retirement plan a complete success. 

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True Loyalty

It isn't every day that you see a race car so pristine, but Small has a special connection with it, obviously. “My wife and I got married in this car,” he explains. “I first bought the Corvette in 1974. I’d only had it a little bit before my wife and I drove it from Owensboro, Kentucky to Tennessee to get married and then drove it home. I’ve had the same wife and the same Corvette ever since. It’s been a good car and a good marriage!” 

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From Dragster to Dust Collector

The mods began soon after Small purchased his Corvette, however. By 1976, it was a proper drag car running mid 6s in the eighth-mile. But after campaigning it for a while, life got in the way and Small parked his car as his family grew. 

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Glory Days

With the kids grown up and his working life behind him in 2009, Small decided to revisit those glory days with his Corvette. He spent the next two years tearing apart and rebuilding his car. Since then he's been out racing. 

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Keeping it Natural

The heart of the beast is a massive 509 cubic inch big block Chevy engine, which is decidedly old school. We say that because this mill is naturally-aspirated, which is unusual in this day and age of forced induction dragsters. But that just makes it even cooler in our book. 

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Pro Stock Undersides

Underneath the car, you won't find some archaic chassis setup, however. The original Corvette body now sits on a complete custom chassis, which essentially makes it a Pro Stock car with a stock body. But in the process, a large number of the original components were retained. 

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Safety First

That includes the windshield, door glass, doors, door panels, and headliner. Of course, there is a full cage, racing seats and belts, and all the other safety equipment you need when you're running in the 8s.

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Old Guys Just Wanna Have Fun

An incredible ride, for sure. But even though he's come pretty close to winning some big races, that isn't what it's all about for Small. “That’s what makes drag racing fun for me,” he adds. “I enjoy the people at the track—well, most of them, anyway. And I enjoy driving the car. I’m not trying to set the world on fire, but I do enjoy winning some races. I’m just an old guy coming out here to have some fun.” 

>>Join the conversation about this '65 C2 with the Big Block engine right here in Corvette Forum.

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