Lingenfelter powered '63 corvette
 

Original 1963 Corvette, modified to a resemble 1966/1967 to meet NHRA guidelines, most likely to run a BBC. Purchased by Schnelker and Losher from a friend, 1st ran a 250CI SBC with an Olds rearend, blew that engine at the 1971 US Nats at Indy. Had a racing buddy John Lingenfelter build them a 302CI SBC, redid the chassis, Dana rear, Doug Nash 5 speed, new tin work and hand lettered. Was very successful racing at several tracks around the Fort Wayne, IN area, as well as tracks in Michigan and Ohio, running numerous classes with NHRA, AHRA and IHRA. Car was parked in 1976 due to family commitments and the ever-rising costs of racing. Except for a couple of minor upgrades to be NHRA legal, car is as raced, and parked, in 1976. Plans are to run the car at a few nostalgia events.

That is cool ! Nice

Oh wow! How cool is that??

So It still retains the 302 Engine then?

Dave
67 Nova Boy

Yes, a 327 block cast February 3 of 1965. Car is pretty much the way is rolled out of Losher's shop after 40+ years of sitting in his shop.

Wayyyyyyyyy cool!!

As said, waaaaay cool, Tom. Is that coming to SCR this year ? I'd walk there if I had to, to see that...:laugh:

Awesome!!!

Yes..plans are to run it at SCR26.

Killer history and car! Congratulations......

Very nice!

The C1 and C2 Vettes just make THE COOLEST racecars.

I have been able to verify that not only did John Lingenfelter build engines for this Corvette, he owned and raced it as well, including at the U.S. Nats.

Same car?
 

Not sure?

Same car. I have been able gather quite a bit of information regarding my Corvette. Not only did John Lingenfelter build engines for the car, he owned it as well, racing it at the 1971 U.S. Nationals in Indy. Shortly after Indy it was sold to Schnelker and Losher. They redid there car, much as it is today, racing at Van Wert as well as many other tracks, including the U.S. Nationals. John built a 1969 ragtop convertible that he drove to a win at the 1972 U.S. Nationals.

The shadow valve covers are interesting. Reminds me of the UOP Shadow Can Am Racecars.

Agreed, they are cool. Didn’t Moroso make valve covers in that hue?

A few weeks ago, I was invited by NHRA to show the Schnelker and Loser Corvette at the recent U.S. Nationals, held each year in Indy. Besides getting to visit with lots of folks about the car, including some who remembered the car from years past, I got a visit from Estelle Townsend, who 1st built it into a race car, and his family. Also, got a call from Tim Losher, whose father is Rick Losher, past owner of the car. Tim had received a lot of texts and emails from friends letting him know the car was on display at Indy. Last, but not least, Mike “Fuzzy” Meyer stopped by to visit. Mike was a partner of John Lingenfelter, during the early and mid 1970’s, he knew the car well.
To top the weekend off, on Monday, right before the Pro semis, I got to stage the car in the lanes, then make a parade lap down the return road in front of the grandstands.

Wow killer car!

Great find! Congrats!

That awesome - congratulations Tom!

Soooo cool! Congrats.

Glad to see you are enjoying the car and sharing it's storied history at this even. Well done Tom!