A pair of traditionally important Corvettes are among the many featured heaps at a Mecum public sale occurring now in Kissimmee, Florida.

Provided as a single lot, the pair are the primary and final manufacturing L88 Corvettes. The L88 possibility outfitted Corvettes with a 7.0-liter (or 427 cubic inches in interval parlance) V-8 that was formally rated at 430 hp, however seemingly made rather more than that. The L88 was the brainchild of Corvette chief engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov, who needed a extra aggressive ‘Vette for racing. To that finish, L88 vehicles had efficiency {hardware} like aluminum heads, however lacked creature comforts like radios and air-con.

A small variety of L88s nonetheless made it into the fingers of most people as highway vehicles, although. Right this moment, their rarity and the muscular engines make them among the many most collectible Corvettes. One significantly good instance offered for practically $2.7 million at public sale in 2021.

The 2 vehicles at present up for public sale embrace the primary L88, a 1967 convertible that was certainly one of simply 20 L88s produced that 12 months. It is also believed to be the one L88 convertible painted Tuxedo Black. It was additionally raced when new by Tony DeLorenzo and Jerry Thompson, ending second on the 1967 SCCA Runoffs at Daytona Seaside.

First and final Chevrolet Corvette L88 (picture through Mecum Auctions)

L88 manufacturing spanned the C2 and C3 generations of the Corvette, so the ultimate manufacturing L88 is a Fathom Inexperienced C3 coupe from 1969. It was manufactured on Dec. 4 of that 12 months, believed to be the final day of manufacturing for the L88.

Each vehicles have been handled to meticulous restorations, in line with the public sale itemizing.

This is not the one historic muscle automotive duo at Mecum’s Florida public sale. The corporate can also be providing 1970 Dodge Challenger and Plymouth Barracuda “pilot vehicles,” believed to be among the many earliest Chrysler E-Physique convertibles constructed, as soon as once more as a set.