Superformance and GM unveil their 1963 Corvette Grand Sport

Excaliber · #1 (**permalink**) 11-03-2010, 01:32 PM

Hmmm, replica Cobra's are readily accepted (for the most part) because there won't be any "real" ones showing up at the local cruise in.

Now there WILL be plenty of local Vette's showing up. I wonder how the replica will be accepted, in general?

Price point: Why should it cost more than an SPF? I understand initial cost production concerns, but that would also apply to an SPF and the price didn't go balloon because of it. Of course if they don't meet a certain number of units sold, the price would HAVE to increase or production stop to recoup the investment.

FFR comes out with a Coupe, price aint to bad. Others do a 32 Deuce Coupe, price aint to bad. What makes the new GS any different? Frame, mold, suspension, other "parts", same same, just a different look.

SP01715 · #2 (**permalink**) 11-03-2010, 01:48 PM

Funny how an SPF product brings out the haters.

ACademic · #3 (**permalink**) 11-03-2010, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SP01715

Funny how an SPF product brings out the haters.

How do they say it, "Jealousy is the finest form of flattery?" Sad to say but I have to agree with you on that comment.

I believe RodKnock put it best in saying that it's another new product. Variety is the spice of life; thank God someone out there is willing to invest their hard-earned cash and attempt to make a market in a replica vehicle that is both rare and still highly regarded in other circles. No guts, no glory. No pain, no gain. I hope they sell a gazillion because that's more for Cobra drivers to race!

RodKnock · #4 (**permalink**) 11-03-2010, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Excaliber

Hmmm, replica Cobra's are readily accepted (for the most part) because there won't be any "real" ones showing up at the local cruise in.

Now there WILL be plenty of local Vette's showing up. I wonder how the replica will be accepted, in general?

Price point: Why should it cost more than an SPF? I understand initial cost production concerns, but that would also apply to an SPF and the price didn't go balloon because of it. Of course if they don't meet a certain number of units sold, the price would HAVE to increase or production stop to recoup the investment.

FFR comes out with a Coupe, price aint to bad. Others do a 32 Deuce Coupe, price aint to bad. What makes the new GS any different? Frame, mold, suspension, other "parts", same same, just a different look.

I'm not a Corvette historian, but I believe they only made six GS Vettes. Who in their right mind would vintage race them? I would speculate that they're worth about $1MM +/-. How many original GT40s are raced?

I think the SPF GT40 was accepted for vintage racing, why not the GS Vette?

I'm also not a mechanic or technoid type person, but I would have to believe that the SPF GS is a little more complicated to build than a Cobra or Deuce Coupe.

Also, last time I inquired the SPF GT40 was about $80K retail for a roller.

The market will speak one way or another. New products are fantastic.

n1kon · #5 (**permalink**) 11-03-2010, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RodKnock

I'm not a Corvette historian, but I believe they only made six GS Vettes. Who in their right mind would vintage race them? I would speculate that they're worth about $1MM +/-. How many original GT40s are raced?

5 were made. Owner of #005 doesn't race his. #002 is in a museum. #003/001/004 all race in vintage races. They are worth in excess of 5 million and I think 002 just changed hands for just under 6 million.

I am not sure if the "hating" is referring to me but just in case it is...I am very happy for SPF I just hope that the final product looks exactly like it should. As a avid fan of a car just like you guys I am sure you understand what I am saying. I just want it to look correct. I notice all of the details

Mark IV · #6 (**permalink**) 11-03-2010, 05:37 PM

[quote=RodKnock;1087523]I think the SPF GT40 was accepted for vintage racing, why not the GS Vette?
QUOTE]

Perhaps it will be. The Duntov race version Grand Sports should qualify for most vintage orginizers.

BT SNAKE · #7 (**permalink**) 11-03-2010, 07:15 PM

I've poked a little fun at Superformance's Vette But
I really think they do have a great product. The only thing I see kinda odd is their marketing strategy. They have ads here but none on the Corvette forum. To me that's like selling cigarettes in a cancer ward. My ads would be all over that Vette forum.
Maybe I'm wrong but I believe the majority on this forum are here because of the Cobra mystique. Yes, mine is Chevy powered but it's the shape I like. The Cobra shape is a contemporary classic and I'm not sure the Grand Sport is.

Hersh

Randall Thomas · #8 (**permalink**) 11-04-2010, 08:43 AM

With all the interest in the new Superformance Grand Sport regarding some of the authenticity features, I was able to call Lance Stander, CEO of Superformance USA and ask him specifically about two of those while he is still on the floor at SEMA.

Lance tells me that some customers may prefer the "cleaner" look of the SEMA car. As you know, some look at the Grand Sport as being "ugly" or "gaudy". So these few little deleted features may be just what those people would like. However, for the purist and the historic enthusiast, there will be options to include BOTH the rear wheel fender vents as well as the holes in the rear valance just like the originals. And it may not stop just there.

As you know, not all the Grand Sports were absolutely identical as the year progressed each were changed slightly by their owners in their own ways. It appears Superformance may offer to replicate those individual changes as well as add more authenticity to the engine compartment for those choosing to use more period correct power plants. I think their goal is to offer as a feature, a truly spot-on mirror image of the original as well as a more street and comfort friendly Grand Sport. Superformance has done exactly that with the GT40 and is still creating new options even today for that line.

Like it was said, this was prepared in the typical SEMA rush time frame like so many others do as well. I've been told there is a lot more is to come from Superformance and the 1963 Corevette Grand Sport in the very near future as full production is enganged and cars start rolling through their huge 270,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Port Elizabeth.

I thought I heard posters in this thread might get a discount... not sure tho. I think I'll try it out myself and see 8-)

Randall

Randall Thomas · #9 (**permalink**) 11-17-2010, 02:00 PM

Here are two new videos capturing the excitment at SEMA surrounding Superformance;

Grandsport Debut... (starts a 4:25)
http://www.youtube.com/user/GMPerfor.../2/FrvrQVctnJk

Interview with Lance Stander and focus on the Grand Sport...
http://www.youtube.com/user/GMPerfor.../5/PRPQ1rxCCfw

Randall

redd · #10 (**permalink**) 11-17-2010, 03:06 PM

ugly exhaust it needs 4" side pipes.

Sharroll Celby · #11 (**permalink**) 11-18-2010, 03:00 PM

[quote=Excaliber;1087510]Hmmm, replica Cobra's are readily accepted (for the most part) because there won't be any "real" ones showing up at the local cruise in.

Our local Saturday morning hangout usually has two or three original Cobras show up, with a max (so far) of SEVEN originals.

Only ONE Henry J, though.