1963 Cheetah V8 classic racecar (project)

[John B]

'TradeMe advert here'

This is an unfinished project of a 1963 Cheetah V8 racecar. It is a recreation using a mixture of genuine, period correct parts, and re-fabricated components. These iconic 1960's American sportscars are now rare and very collectable. Based upon the 1963 Corvette, this was GM's answer to Ford's Cobra, and approximately 16 were built by Bill Thomas in Anaheim, California. And they were faster than the Cobra - one was timing at 215 mph at Daytona in 1963!

The parts for this car were brought back to NZ from the USA in the 1970's, but the project was never completed. Now, because of too many other projects, I have decided to sell the Cheetah.

One of these cars, with provenance and racing history, is currently for sale in the USA for US$885,000. Unfortunately this Cheetah will not ultimately be worth that amount, however it will be a very valuable classic racecar if completed as raced in period.

The project includes all 'period correct' parts...

► BODY : Original 'Fibreglass Trends' body (tilt front, main body and gull-wing doors).

► CHASSIS : Exact recreation of chrome-moly tube chassis.

► ENGINE : 1963 Corvette 327 cu. in. V8 (stroked to 377 in the factory racecars).

► GEARBOX : 4-speed M21 Muncie 'Rockcrusher' gearbox.

► DIFFERENTIAL : 1963 Corvette diff and half shafts.

► BRAKES / SUSPENSION : Corvette brakes and uprights with fabricated wishbones and trailing links.

► STEERING : Correct LHD Triumph Herald / Triumph Spitfire rack.

► WHEELS : 15" American Racing 'Torq Thrust' (not the BMW wheels in the images).

► WINDOWS : Pexiglass front and rear screens.

With a racing weight of approx 750kg, and a potential 500bhp, this will make a very potent classic racecar.

Included with the project are CAD drawings for the chassis and suspension; a collection of books, magazines, photos and research material; plus post-sale advice and information where possible.

The Cheetah is situated at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park. Phone John to organise a viewing...

► Phone : 09-414 5959
► Mobile : 021-378 989
► E-mail : john@spr-models.co.nz

[Grant Ellwood]

Great article about the history of the Cheetahs in the latest (US) Vintage Motorsport magazine, July/Aug edition. Also has a write-up of a recent track test in a 650 hp Cheetah at Road America, scary!

[John B]

Thanks for the heads up Grant. I haven't seen the articles, so will track down the magazine.
Cheers,
John

[Jerry Entin]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0BB4yv4-p8
Here is a Youtube interview shot by Jeni Swanson for Fred Yeakel of me talking about Cheetahs in the day.