Rare Corvettes set for Monterey Auto Week

A rare assembly of Chevrolet Corvettes with remarkable pedigrees will be exhibited Aug. 16-18 during a tribute to the iconic brand at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

The annual event, part of Monterey Auto Week will highlight Corvette in the celebration of the brand’s 60-year history.

Located in the race paddock (near Turn 3), Chevrolet will share the story of Corvette’s technology. The highlight: the transition between the track and street by pairing six of the most significant Corvette race cars with their street car counterpart.

Race cars from nearly every era, dating to a 1911 National 40 to a more modern-day 1992 Mazda RX-7 92P, will also be on display. Ferrari, Maserati, Jaguar, McLaren, Aston Martin, Porsche, Bugatti, Talbot Lago, Alfa Romeo, Ford and Chevrolet.

Vintage Corvettes Featured

1960 Cunningham Corvette #3 (Courtesy of Lance Miller)
This is the No. 3 Corvette that won its class and placed eight overall in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1960. It wasn’t until 2002 that Corvette won again in Le Mans. Presumed lost for many years, the No. 3 car Corvette was driven by John Fitch and Bob Grossman through great difficulty.

1967 Corvette Le Mans (Courtesy of Harry Yagey)
The poster car is the 1967 Chevrolet Corvette No. 9 that was raced by Corvette legends Dick Guldstrand and Bob Bondurant at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The big block Corvette streaked down the Mulsanne Straight at more than 170 mph. It enable  the duo to take a commanding class lead by miles before an engine wrist pin let go halfway through the race, forcing retirement.

1968 Owens Corning Corvette (Courtesy of Rick Hendrick)
This L-88 Corvette is the most victorious Corvette in history. It was campaigned by a variety of drivers, such as Tony DeLorenzo, Jerry Thompson, John Mahler, Don Yenko, Gib Hufstaeder, Dick Lang and Jerry Hansen. And the car was nearly unstoppable in FIA GT and SCCA National racing.

Advance purchase general admission tickets start at $50 for Friday, up to a three-day pass for $130. Children 12 and under are free with a paying adult. Hospitality options start at $200 per person. Free parking is available and VIP parking can be purchased for $75.

For more information on the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion or to purchase tickets, call 800-327-7322 or visit: MazdaRaceway.com.