Like every good soldier dreams of becoming a general, and every self-respecting tuning-studio dreams of becoming a car manufacturer. One of those companies that have moved from a car tuner to a manufacturer, became the German Pogea Racing.
Previously the Germans were engaged in quite banal “pumping” of different models of Audi, have tried to “charge” Fiat 500, and were, as they say, is widely known in narrow circles. But now they have decided to aim a blow at such an icon of American automotive industry as classic Chevrolet Corvette C1, which has been manufactured from 1953 to 1962, and to revive the car at the present technical level.
The car is built on the traditional scheme of replica cars- a space frame, on which are fixed carbon fiber body panels. Under the hood is placed 6.2-liter “eight» engine of General Motors power of 485 hp (585 N • m), with which is aggregated a five-speed manual gearbox. Optionally, you can also order with automatic transmission.
The Germans did not pursue one hundred percent similarity with the original 1959 and the car got a modern steering wheel, modified optics and back wheels with low profile tires Bridgestone Potenza 265/40 R 18 front and 305/30 R19 rear. Body Length – 4,50 m, width – 2.09 m, wheelbase – 2.59 meters. That is, the car turned up to 25 cm longer and 32 cm wider than its spiritual ancestor. And also for 175 pounds lighter (1130 kg), and, of course, much faster. If the Chevrolet Corvette C1 accelerated to 170 km / h, and for 1959 it was considered a very good indicator, the brainchild of Pogea Racing is able to dial 288 km / h, and the acceleration to the first hundred takes 3.9 sec.
In Germany the reincarnated Chevrolet Corvette C1 will cost 225,000 euros. On the one hand, for a short-run hand-built car it is not so much, but on the other hand – the buyer gets a car with a minimum level of comfort with mechanical windows and rather modest multimedia system Alpine. Salon, however, is trimmed with red leather, but this is not a surprise nowdays. In general, despite of the originality of this project, Pogea Racing will be able to sell maximum a couple of dozen cars a year. But the main thing is that now the Germans can be legally considered a full-fledged car manufacturer.
I enjoyed nkloiog at the pictures. In that I am currently the owner of the car and Gary Smith is currently in the process of recreating the paint and graphics scheme on it, I was particularily excited to see the photos. I do think it interesting that Amanda would be referring to Pete and Gary as relics!! On second thought, I geuss we all are.Most important, the Klain Racing Corvette is alive and well and will be seen in some vintage venues in the near future.