The Chitwood Thrill Show fascinated audiences with its high-speed stunts and precision driving demonstrations for over 70+ years. Founded by the legendary Hollywood stuntman, Joie Chitwood, the show has traveled all over the United States, performing in front of millions of fans.
One of the most iconic vehicles used in the Chitwood Thrill Show is the 1958 Chevy Corvette. Although the beginning of Corvette started in 1953 it had a history of racing and high-performance driving by 1958; stunt shows were new to this iconic sportscar. The 1958 Chevy Corvette had been a staple of the Chitwood Thrill Show for many years and played a crucial role in the show’s success across the nation.
1958 Chevy Corvette Specially Modified for Top Performance
The 1958 Chitwood Thrill Show Corvette is a specially modified version of the standard Corvette, designed specifically for the demands of the show. It is equipped with a range of safety features and performance enhancements, including a roll cage, racing seats with harnesses, and a fire suppression system.
The Chitwood Thrill Show Corvette is powered by a high-performance engine, capable of producing over 500 horsepower. This allows the car to reach speeds of up to 150 mph and perform a range of stunts, including high-speed turns, doughnuts, and jumps.
No Limits with the Chitwood Stunts
One of the most impressive stunts performed by the Chitwood Thrill Show Corvette is the car flip. This stunt involves the driver accelerating a car to full speed and then hitting a ramp, causing the car to become airborne and flip end over end. The Chitwood Thrill Show Corvette has performed this stunt hundreds of times, and it never fails to amaze the audience.
In addition to the car flip, the Chitwood Thrill Show Corvette also performs a range of other stunts, including the “wall of fire,” where the car drives through a wall of flames, and the “human cannonball,” where a stuntman is launched out of a cannon and over the car.
Safety was a Priority with the 1958 Chevy Corvette
Despite the high-speed nature of the Chitwood Thrill Show, safety is always a top priority. The show’s team of experienced drivers and stunt performers undergo extensive training and practice to ensure that all stunts are performed safely and correctly.
In addition to the thrilling stunts and precision driving demonstrations, the Chitwood Thrill Show also features a range of other exciting acts, including motorcycle stunts, acrobatics, and pyrotechnics. The show is suitable for audiences of all ages and is a great way to spend an afternoon or evening with the whole family.
The show was so well executed that merchandizing became a fabric of this show. You can still find amazing Chitwood collectibles via eBay. A few examples are hobby cars, hats, books, and pictures.
1958 Chevy Corvette NCRS American Heritage Award
The 1958 Chevy Corvette used in the Chitwood Thrill Show was awarded the highest achievement by the NCRS in 2015 with the American Heritage Award. The award is among the most respected and important in the Corvette world. In 2020 this amazing Corvette went on the auction block at Mecum’s Indianapolis and today you can catch at glimpse of this time capsule at the Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners, Michigan. We uncovered a few archives of the stunt show via Youtube that you must check out. You won’t be disappointed!