America’s Sports Car isn’t just a fantastic performer out of the box; it’s also the ultimate blank canvas, an overengineered starting point with endless possibilities driven by massive aftermarket support. Since the dawn of the LS-series of Small-Block V8s in 1997, the Corvette and GM’s other ‘Vette-powered go-fast offerings have inspired one-offs, small-batch cottage industries, and even big-business tuning efforts that have become household names like Lingenfelter.
During the runs of the C5 and C6 Corvette, somewhere between the tinkering shade tree mechanics and the big-dog Callaway’s of the world, you could find the hard-core bespoke creations of Troy, Michigan’s Specter Werkes/Sports. For folks who wanted more out of their C5s, SWS and its trademark “GTR” was exactly what the doctor ordered. The company was founded by former GM designer Jeff Nowicki, and its menu of styling and performance upgrades was extensive, ranging from mild to wild. Built in annual runs of fewer than 30 cars. All SWS GTRs were treated to all-new body panels except for their roofs and deck lids. The new fenders added three inches in front, along with an aggressive hood, new fixed projection lamps, and revised fascia. At the back, width grew by a full six inches while a stock-looking four-light rearend was stylishly sunken into an aero treatment that nicely complemented the integrated and deeply cut side skirts.
For the base upcharge of $33k, Specter also upgraded the chassis with front and rear larger-diameter Hotchkiss anti-roll bars. The increased width of the GTR allowed Nowicky to fit his creations with 285s out front and simply massive 345 rubber on the driven wheels. Customers could further customize exterior paint, rims, brakes, and everything inside if they were willing to pay for said enhancements.
Under the hood, some buyers left the LS1/LS6 alone outside of the standard carbon fiber engine cover and Corsa exhaust, but five optional upgrades (along with further customization) were also offered for a price. These ran the gamut from breathed-on semi stock unit to a $30,000 supercharged monster.
The cream of the crop, though, had to be the motivator fitted to 2002 GTR #20, which is currently for sale at Gateway Classic Cars’ San Antonio location. The bulging cowl-induction hood of this patriotic example conceals a 427 cubic-inch C5-R V8 developed and built by the madmen at Katech. This race-bred example only shows 7,700 miles and was treated to an engine rebuild in June of 2020 after the most recent owner took delivery. The 7.0L includes Jesel rocker arms, Manley exhaust valves, Johnson tie-bar lifters, a DeWitts dual fan kit, an external oil cooler, and a custom dual exhaust system with long-tube headers. After the rebuild, a dyno run revealed 639.5 (STP corrected) HP and 570.4 lb.-ft. of torque – C6 ZR1 power in a naturally aspirated package!
Other unique touches to ’02 GTR 20 include 19″ Forgeline wheels and a focus on matching stopping/handling capabilities to the car’s prodigious power. To that end, there’s a distinctive rear wing, four-way adjustable coilovers from Feal Suspension, Pfadt Race Engineering adjustable anti-sway bars, and Essex two-piece rotors with AP Racing brake calipers. The interior is standard C5 fare except for a slew of specialty badges, GTR stitched headrests, and a C6-era shifter.
This particular GTR didn’t reach its reserve in a Bring a Trailer auction last December, but Gateway is hoping for a reverse of fortune to close out 2025 with a $65,000 asking price that feels like a steal for the performance on offer!
Source:
Gateway Classic Cars
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BEAUTIFUL WHITE 427 CORVETTE BIG BLOCK!!
Is it a small block?????
Pete Brewer
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