The 1967 Corvette L88 is a car that was reserved for serious race teams and people “in the know”. This thinly disguised race car was sold straight from select GM dealers and is now considered the ultimate C2 Sting Ray. Let’s take a closer look at this incredible vehicle.
Specifications of the 1967 Corvette L88
The L88 package included many competition components that made it a tremendous package for a road-going car. Here are some of the specifications of the 1967 Corvette L88:
- Only 20 Made
- GM’s most powerful engine: The L88 included GM’s most powerful engine at the time, which was the 427 cubic-inch V8.
- Horsepower: The engine had a peak power output between 550 and 600, but Chevrolet rated it at only 430hp at 4600 rpm to keep it on the track.
- M22 ‘Rock Crusher’ transmission: The L88 included an M22 ‘Rock Crusher’ transmission, which was a heavy-duty four-speed manual transmission.
- Large disc brakes: The L88 also had large disc brakes, which were necessary to handle the high speeds the car could reach.
- Upgraded suspension: The L88 had an F41 suspension, which was upgraded to handle the rigors of racing.
- Aluminum head 427: The L88 had an aluminum head 427, which was a lightweight version of the 427 cubic-inch V8.
- Removal of luxuries: The L88 had all luxuries removed, including the heater, radio, air conditioning, and choke.
- K66 ignition transistor: The 1967 Corvette L88 had a K66 ignition transistor, which was a high-performance ignition system.
- J56 power discs: The L88 had J56 power discs, which were heavy-duty brakes designed for racing.
- G81 positraction differential: The L88 had a G81 positraction differential, which was a limited-slip differential designed to improve traction.
- Large aluminum radiator: The L88 had a large aluminum radiator, which was necessary to keep the engine cool during high-performance driving.
The First Regular Production 1967 Corvette L88
The Tuxedo Black 1967 convertible corvette offered here is the very first regular production L88 Corvette built. It was ordered by Tony DeLorenzo Jr., son of GM Public relations executive Anthony G. DeLorenzo, and was delivered to Hanley Dawson Chevrolet in Detroit. Hanley Dawson also supplied the young DeLorenzo with all the equipment and financial backing necessary to mount a full campaign in SCCA A Production racing.
The L88’s Racing Dominance
The L88 was a race car, and Chevrolet wanted to keep it on the track. Advertising for the car rated the L88 as having less horsepower than the cheaper L71 package, and Chevrolet released a figure of 430hp at 4600 rpm. This was well below the actual peak power, which fell between 550 and 600. The L88 instantly established its racing dominance, winning many races and setting multiple speed records.
1967 Corvette L88: The Find of a Lifetime
The 1967 Corvette L88 is an incredible car that was ahead of its time. It was a true race car that was sold straight from select GM dealers, and its combination of power, handling, and stripped-down simplicity make it a true driver’s car. With only 20 examples produced in 1967, the L88 is one of the rarest and most sought-after Corvettes of all time, and its place in Corvette history is secure.
