UPDATE 8/15/2019 – Mike just let us know that his Corvette has sold to a fellow Barn Finds reader! It’s off to a good home and hopefully, we will hear from the new owner with what their plans are for it. Congrats to both parties!
FROM 8/13/2019 – For the past 20 years, this Corvette drag car has been parked in a car trailer. Under the hood is a built 454 V8 and all the needed parts for some serious performance. Michael M states that the engine was built by MPG Racing and did just 12 runs before being parked. It was running strong when it was driven into the trailer, but after sitting for 12 years, it’s going to need to be gone through. He needs it gone, so he’s asking just $6,000 for it. You can find it in Highwood, Illinois and you can contact Michael via the form below.
Michael doesn’t state what the car’s quickest times were, but clearly, this thing was built for one purpose! This 454 looks dirty from sitting, but hopefully it won’t need a complete rebuild to get up and running again. There’s no word on just how much power it was producing back in the day or any of its specs. Even if it’s just a blueprinted engine, it could be producing well over 400 horsepower.
As you can see, the interior has been gutted of all the unnecessary bits. It has basic rollover protection, the typical go fast gauges, a simple bucket seat and a 5-point harness. It looks like there might be some wiring work to be done and it’s going to need a good cleaning. A lot can change over 20 years, so you will want to have it inspected and find out what all needs to be updated, replaced or fixed to take it racing again. Michael also notes that the body has some stress crack in the fiberglass, so you will to take a closer look at that as well.
I’m not sure what the rules were like 20 years ago, but today’s NHRA rules require a parachute for any car that hits 150 mph, or close to it, in the quarter-mile. I suppose someone could have installed it for the look, but that would just be silly. It seems likely that the 9.5 in the rear window is the car’s last quarter-mile time, which is a really impressive time for just about any car. While it needs to be gone through, this seems like a lot of car for $6k! So be sure to contact Michael with any questions or offers.
- Asking Price: $6,000
- Location: Highwood, Illinois
- Title Status: Clean
List your car here on Barn Finds for only $50!
At this price, someone will want it for sure.
I wouldn’t even bother trying to get the chassis updated to run 9’s. The car will probably pass tech with its current cage if it runs 10.0 or slower. That’s the smart way to approach this car. Lots of races choose not to run quicker than 10.0 just because it’s cheaper and the chassis rules don’t change from year to year. This could probably make a good bracket car but will likely wind up as a grudge night beater until some adrenaline junkie stuffs it into a wall.
Steve R
Seems like a great deal to me. Would you have to rebuild the engine? I suppose if it was really humid, spark plugs seizing to the heads? I would try and get it running as is. It might have a few leaks that need attention…. trans most likely.
I like the car as is, bet it is a hoot to drive. I agree, it would make a great Bracket Racer, 10 seconds amd slower. Just a throttle stop will slow it down, if it’s too fast. Wish i was in the market for a new easy project. It says it has a clear title… lots of work to make it a street car again, bit could be done.
Good luck to buyer and seller.
I like that engine, very straight forward and business like. Would have liked to known a few specs, I’m sure whoever buys it will find out. Got a two speed automatic—you know this thing must absolutely crank to run in the 9’s! Nice build.
Well built engine, and car probably. As far as horsepower goes, we had a 3700 lb. Buick that ran 9.50s, and it made 865 na hp. No chute, but only went 141 mph. A hoot to drive. So, the corvette may weigh considerably less, but still has to make 6-700 hp to go that fast. Front motor plate, bars thru the firewall, all good stuff, and indicative of a decent build. Good price!
Someone got a smokin deal, I hope they race it frequently and have fun. And please keep us advised as to times, speed etc. thank you, GOOD LUCK. !