Daily Slideshow: Big Block C2 Racer is an Amazing Find

Decisions, Decisions

It isn't every day that you stumble across a 1966 Corvette with a racing pedigree and 425 hp 427 just sitting in storage. But that's exactly how this C2 was found after a long and illustrious career in everything from drag racing to road racing. But now, current owner Tom Sammut is facing a big dilemma. Does he restore the well-worn piece of history, or should he leave it as is, warts and all? The cool thing is, Sammut is taking feedback on the matter via Hot Rod.

Bought to Be a Racer

At the moment, Sammut is thinking of restoring the car, since it wasn't campaigned by what you might call any big name racers. But the car hasn't been in stock form since 1966 when the original owner took it home from the dealership and immediately began to modify it for racing. It was then that he installed fender flares to accommodate the massive Ansen Sprint wheels. He also deleted the emblems and repainted the car in its current scheme of white with blue stripes. From there, it simply served as a race car until it was sold to the second owner in 1971.

Resistance is Futile

The second owner began where the original owner left off, racing the 'Vette until 1976. It then sat for a couple of years before it resurfaced at some local cruise night events and car shows in Detroit. Sammut couldn't help but fall in love with the car, open headers and all. But the previous owner wasn't really sure if he wanted to sell it, and it took a full 3-4 months before Sammut talked him into it. And even though he already owns a slew of other Corvettes, the appeal of an original engine 427 '66 with a 4.11 Posi rear and 4-speed was just too much to pass up.

It Only Gets Better

After doing a little research, it was clear that this old racer was the real deal. In fact, Sammut discovered that along with the period correct mods, this very car had also appeared in the 1968 Detroit Autorama, lending it even more historical significance. The previous two owners even retained all the original stuff that was taken off to shed weight, including the jack and wipers. 

Difficult Decision?

So now, Sammut faces a huge choice - restore the car back to original, or leave it the way it's been for the last 50 years. Personally, we don't find this to be a very difficult decision. Even though it's a rare car in its own right, this Corvette also has a unique history that most, quite simply, don't. That's why we love it just the way it is, warts and all!

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