Few American racing cars capture the excess and engineering ambition of 1970s IMSA competition quite like the 1977 Chevrolet Corvette IMSA “SuperVette.” Built to exploit a major change in racing regulations, this extraordinary machine abandoned much of the production Corvette’s underlying architecture in favor of a purpose-built competition platform. Now offered for sale through Classic Motors For Sale by Canepa, it represents one of the rarest and most formidable Corvette racers of its era.
The SuperVette originated after IMSA changed its regulations in 1976 to permit full tube-frame chassis in top-level competition. Corvette racer John Greenwood recognized the opportunity and commissioned designer Bob Riley to develop a new-generation racing Corvette.
Identified as chassis COV002, this example was the second and final car of its type. Its structure was fabricated by Charlie Selix and Gary Pratt, whose later association would become the renowned motorsport engineering company Pratt & Miller. The chassis uses extensively triangulated, two-inch chrome-moly tubing, providing the rigidity required for serious endurance racing. Its dramatically widened fiberglass bodywork, extended nose, prominent rear wing, and functional aerodynamic openings give it an unmistakable silhouette.
Power comes from an aluminum 500-cubic-inch (8.2-liter) big-block V8 developed from Can-Am racing technology. Built by Lee Muir and associated with Shadow Racing, the engine produces more than 750 horsepower and over 800 lb-ft of torque. Power reaches the rear wheels through a Jerico four-speed manual transmission. Braking is handled by Porsche 935 magnesium calipers, reflecting the car’s uncompromising competition-focused engineering.
John Paul Sr. acquired COV002 ahead of the 1978 racing season and prepared it through JLP Racing. Competing in the IMSA GTX category against formidable Porsche 935 machinery, the Corvette secured two podium finishes and three additional top-five results during its 1978 campaign. The car subsequently passed to T&D Racing and continued competing through the 1981 and 1982 seasons before retiring from active competition.
Canepa later undertook an extensive restoration, returning the SuperVette to its 1978 IMSA configuration and original JLP Racing livery. The restoration addressed the chrome-moly chassis, fiberglass bodywork, and mechanical components, preserving the car’s historic competition identity. Today, the SuperVette is eligible for historic IMSA GTX competition, offering collectors an opportunity to own an exceptionally rare piece of American road-racing history.
Source: Classic Motors For Sale
