The 1963 Grand Sport is the stuff of legend among the Corvette faithful.
The year was 1962, and Corvette’s Chief Engineer, Zora Arkus-Duntov, was tired of losing. Chevrolet had been getting its backside kicked by Carroll Shelby and his Ford Cobras on road courses.
At this point, Zora had enough, so he began secretly developing a lightweight race car to win the upcoming Sebring and Le Mans events. But Chevy’s boardroom got wind of it and quickly put the kibosh to production.
Fortunately, five of the Grand Sports were already completed and out the door before the project shutdown order was given. In the hands of renowned drivers like Roger Penske and Jim Hall, these five special Grand Sports dominated the competition from 1963 to 1967.
Fast-forward to today, and these historic track cars easily fetch high seven figures when they come to market. So, what do you do if you want to experience this legendary track beast?
This is where Superformance and its American distributor, Downforce Motorsports, enter the story. Superformance produces a complete rolling chassis replica of the much-sought-after 1963 Grand Sport.
Needless to say, we were excited to talk with Dan Long, owner of Downforce Motorsports, to learn more about the famous Corvette and his other replica offerings.
Episode Questions 1 Through 4
Are you looking for a specific question in the episode? We’ve made it easy by providing the questions we asked in the show and where you can find them.
Question #1 – First off, we appreciate you carving out some time for us today. Before we get into the nuts and bolts of Downforce Motorsports and your Superformance dealership, let’s roll into the obvious first question. What prompted you to get into the automotive industry? And have you always been into cars? Located at the 1:35 second mark.
Question #2 – Leave it to Carroll Shelby to come up with those true words of wisdom. So, let’s talk about your business, Downforce Motorsports. Tell us about your two locations and what makes the “Downforce Motorsports experience” unique. Located at the 2:52 second mark.
Question #3 – You’re right. I wish other dealerships would specialize more in the products they’re offering. I can imagine you had several dealership options in front of you when you were starting out. Why did you pick Superformance, and what makes them stand out? Located at the 4:15 second mark.
Question #4 – So, let’s talk about that incredible 1963 Grand Sport Corvette that you offer. I’m sure the photos we’ve seen of it don’t tell the whole story. Can you fill us in on this historic replica that you offer? And, on a side note, are the rumors true they built the Grand Sport to 7/8th scale to a regular 63 Corvette? Located at the 5:53 second mark.
Episode Questions 5 Through 8
Question #5 – I saw this ‘63 Grand Sport when you brought it to the Mitty road race here in Atlanta. It was a great-looking car. While we’ve got you here, can you take a minute to clarify some of the terms we often hear bantered about? What’s the difference between replica, kit, recreation, tribute, and clone cars? And while we’re at it, let’s toss in MSO and MCO. Located at the 8:32 second mark.
Question #6 – While the 1963 Corvette Grand Sport obviously stands out to us, it’s only one of several stunning replicas available to your clients. Can you take a few minutes and share with us the other replica cars you offer? Located at the 12:45 second mark.
Question #7 – I can tell you the GT40 always draws a crowd when you bring it to Road Atlanta. That’s a stunning car. In addition to selling Superformace cars, is there an option to trade in or sell the car back to your dealership? Located at the 15:01 second mark.
Question #8 – We’ve covered a lot of ground today, but is there a question I should have asked you but didn’t? Located at the 16:15 second mark.
Downforce Motorsports Info
Website: Downforce Motorsports
Social Media: YouTube – Instagram – Linkedin
South East Location: 849 US-1, Lugoff, SC 29078 Phone: (803) 900-0500
Midwest Location: 8621 US-51, Minocqua, WI 54548 Phone: 715-525-2669
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