Big Block L88 Corvettes at Amelia Island 20th Annual Concours
The L88 legend endures. The scarcity of these specially equipped big block Corvette and high horsepower for their time are what make them so valuable today. The race cars displayed at Amelia are configured as they appeared at Daytona, Sebring, Le Mans and Watkins Glen in the FIA GT class circa 1967-73. Each example pictured below was tracked down through a succession of owners, recovered and rebuilt to original spec except for one which is a work in process. Kevin Mackay who runs a Corvette restoration business, was among the first to recognize the appeal of L88 race cars. That inspired him to search them out and generate interest from prospective buyers who then became his customers for their restoration. His tireless promotion has created publicity, numerous appearances at prestigious car shows, awards and rewards for all who take part, be it owners, fans and enthusiasts.
1967 Glen Spielberg owns # 8, FIA Sebring 12 hr GT big displacement class winner. Dave Morgan (in photo with his wife) & the late Don Yenko shared the drive. Entry listed as Sunray DX Oil Co., Tulsa OK. This car won the Corporate Award for most significant Corvette at the show, presented by Ed Welburn, GM VP of Design. Learn more from the Corvette Registry
1968 Irwin Kroiz owns # 3, FIA Sebring 12 hr GT big displacement class winner. Dave Morgan & the late Hap Sharp shared the drive. Entry listed as Sunray DX Oil Co., Tulsa OK Find out more from the Corvette Registry
1968 Kevin Mackay owns # 12, FIA Watkins Glen 6 hr GT big displacement class winner. The late (Columbus) Bob Johnson & the late (Marietta) Bob Johnson shared the drive. Doug Bergen, Marietta OH built and entered the car. Kevin Mackay obtained the original title and rebuilt this car completely after it was demolished by Nick Engels in a racing mishap in 1971 at Road Atlanta. Discover more from the Corvette Registry
1969 Ted & Shannon Skokos own # 57, FIA Sebring 12 hr GT 1972 big displacement class winner. The late Dave Heinz & the late Marietta Bob Johnson shared the drive. Entry listed as Dana English, Tampa FL. Car is restored to “Rebel” race trim. Winning bid recorded by Barrett Jackson was $ 2.86 m in January 2014. Learn more from the Corvette Registry
1970 Ted & Shannon Skokos own # 49, FIA Sebring 12 hr 1973 finished 8th in class. jim Greendyke and the late Bob Johnson shared the drive. Entry listed as John Greenwood Racing, Troy MI. This car won first place award for Best in Class. More about this Greenwood car here
1968 Mike Yager owns # 4, FIA Le Mans 24 hr 1972 finished 7th in class. The late Dave Heinz & the late Marietta Bob Johnson shared the drive. This Corvette was a last minute entry by the Ferrari North America Racing Team (N.A.R.T) Greenwich CT due to an unusual circumstance. Find out more.
1972 John Sloane owns # 94, FIA Sebring 12 hr 1973 finished 6th in class. Bill Bean and the late Dr Wilbur Pickett shared the drive. Lledon Blackwell, St. Petersburg FL built and entered the car. More details from the Corvette Registry.
1972 Kent & Melisa Hussey own # 21, FIA Sebring 12 hr 1976 finished 18th in class. Jerry Thompson, Richard (Doc) Bostyan and the late Don Yenko shared the drive. Entry listed as Richard Bostyan, Orlando FL. Winning bid recorded at Amelia Island RM Auction was $ 35 k in March 2012. Car in 2010 vintage racing trim freshened up. Learn more here.
1968 Hendrick Collection (reportedly a last minute scratch) # 12 FIA Sebring 12 hr DNF. Jerry Thompson & John Mahler shared the drive. Entered by Troy Promotions, Troy MI. Here is the history.