Chevrolet Corvette GTP on Display at the MY Garage Museum

Mid America Motorworks founder and Chief Cheerleader Mike Yager loves Corvettes.

That’s why when he says a recent addition to the collection at the MY Garage Museum in Effingham, Ill., is his favorite all-time Corvette, we tend to sit up and take notice.

Yager is referring to the Corvette GTP that was unveiled at the annual Corvette Funfest Charity Event earlier this year. The GTP is on permanent loan from the Hendrick Motorsports collection as Rick Hendrick surprised Yager with the car during the Funfest.

The GTP is a very rare Corvette, one of only seven made for General Motors in the mid-1980s as part of a program that tested and developed powerful V6 engines that were used in the International Motor Sports Association racing series.

“It was a great surprise to see Hendrick Motorsports pull in to our drive! I want to thank Rick Hendrick, Jim Perkins and their entire team – I am elated and PROUD to welcome my number 1, all time favorite car in Corvette’s rich, 60-plus year history, the GTP,” Yager said.

The GTP was designed by Lola Cars, Inc., in the United Kingdom for GM and featured a body reminiscent of the C4 in front, with a long, pontoon style tail with Corvette taillights.

The car enjoyed success in the IMSA series in 1985, earning several pole positions and winning Road Atlanta and Palm Beach in 1986 in competition with Porsche, Jaguar, Nissan, and Mazda.

Unfortunately, GM pulled the plug in 1988 just as the car was getting more consistent. Hendrick Motorsports raced five of the seven GTPs from 1985 to 1988.

Powering the vehicle was Ryan Falconer’s 3.4-liter turbocharged V6 Chevrolet engine that used many parts (rocker arms, pistons, and firewall) straight from the shelf from the Chevy small block V8.

The MY Garage Museum & Retail Store is home to a bevy of rare and one-off Corvettes and Classic Volkswagens from the Yager Family collection. From prototype, rare and racing cars to those featured in films, MY Garage Museum & Retail Store is home to a truly one-of-a-kind collection. The Museum also houses literally thousands of pieces of automotive collectibles and memorabilia, showcases an authentic 1910 gas station that was moved and restored on-site, and offers Mid America Motorworks’ full line of parts and accessories.

The MY Garage Museum is open seven days a week with free public admission. Cameras welcome.

Source:
Mid America Motorworks

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