Here’s a 2003 Corvette with a very special history, and it could be yours Friday night during Russo and Steele’s 14th annual Monterey California Auction.
The Corvette, of course, celebrated its 50th birthday in 2003, and Chevrolet offered a distinctive 50th Anniversary package to anyone who wanted to buy it.
This car, though, went much further than a paint job, as it served as an official Safety Car for the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France that year.
The car was driven by professional drivers, ready to go at a second’s notice to let the other racers know of a problem on the course, be it a slick spot, a part fallen off a car, or even a dangerous accident ahead.
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is run on a course that’s nearly 8½ miles long, consisting mostly of public roads known as “The Circuit de la Sarthe.”
Since the course is so long, more than one Safety Car was required.
This one was sent to Le Mans by General Motors, who added it to their Heritage Center collection after the race but then had to sell it off when the company was going through hard financial times a few years ago.
That means this Corvette is the real deal, not just another pretty face reproduction with tape, lights, and stripes.
It’s one of a series of just four 50th Anniversary Corvettes that acted as Official Safety Cars at Le Mans and features 50th Anniversary factory paint with 24 Hours of Le Mans graphics and safety lights.
The Corvette is expected to cross the auction block between 9:09 and 9:29 p.m. Friday.
Check out these pictures of the 2003 50th Anniversary Corvette that served as a 24 Hours of Le Mans safety car in 2003:
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Source:
Russo and Steele
Related:
Russo and Steele to Auction a 1953 Corvette with VIN 149 at Monterey
A Rare 1966 Vintage Corvette Racer up for Sale at Mecum Monterey
Low Mile 1969 L88 Corvette Heading to Mecum Monterey
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