I’m selling my 1989 Corvette unconverted Challenge car. GM built a total of 60 cars specifically for the Corvette Challenge series with 12 of them being black. 5 of them were converted for the series. All of the 89 cars built for the series had the option code –R7F. These cars were ordered by GM, charged to Chevrolet Central Office and shipped to CPC Group Milford Proving Grounds.
1SB Preferred Equipment
Z51 Performance Handling package
FX3 Selective Ride
MN6 Six-Speed Manual Transmission
Black Cloth
88k miles
This car has a newer ZR1 style rear bumper, which I was told that it was on the car when purchased from the dealer. GM held the car until early 1990 so I don’t know if GM or a previous owner put it on the car. The car has been sitting for a number of years and is complete but needs gone over. Car is SOLD
Thanks
There were only 31 unconverted challenge car from 1989, these cars are not easy to find, I have found one on the forum a few month ago and a friend of mine just found one on his own. These are special cars because of what they represent being a factory optioned built race car.
Jim's a real good guy, what ever he tells you about the car is the truth.
Brett, after seeing this post, but before seeing you on it, I was going to email you to tell you about it. After our talk at the 15th Anniversary Bash, where you had that book for me, I thought you'd like to know.
Dennis
__________________ 2009 C6 Cpe - 3LT - A6 - Dual Tops - Nav - Perf Rear - NPP exhaust - Two tone Interior Cashmere/Ebony - Museum Delivery - Buyers Tour - Photo Album - Born 10/30/08.
98 Red Cpe, A4, 60'-1.51-11.300@120.44 (at 3542 lbs. !!!!) SOLD -big mistake
2003 Electron Blue Cpe, Auto, ARH, K&N FIPK, 2.73, ZO-6 Catback 12.621@111 first pass! After mods..11.22 - 122.14 @ full weight.
I can't afford another Corvette....somebody buy this!
but, while we wait, can someone steer me to a link so I can educate myself a little more about the uniqueness of this car? I remember the challenge series, I am assuming this one has more of a "story" than is listed here...do you have the time to educate me/us? I really have no need but I am curious about this one...it sure is tempting, only I should not go for that long term of an investment and that is all it could be to me....I have trouble driving the one I have often enough to justify having it.
If you take the time....thanks, if not...Good Fortune on the sale.
This is Lance Miler's site and will give you a great overview of the series and a little bit of history of each race car. Now there are some challenge owners that do not see these unconverted car as "Challenge cars", in the sense that they did not race then they are correct. Now, these are still factory optioned race cars with B9p for 1988, R7F for 1989, and R9G for 1990. These option codes are what designated them as challenge cars, the race cars were shipped off site for race conversions. These unconverted cars like Jim's that is for sale are special in that there were only 31 unconverted cars from 1989. If you have any questions, just e-mail me at corvettechallengeregistry@comcast.net
An "unconverted Challenge car" is harder to find than a converted/raced version. I had a Challenge car owner who's car was raced in the series, tell me that my unconverted Challenge car was nothing more than a regular corvette and was NOT a Challenge car.
Well, the build sheet for my car (and every Challenge car for 1989) states "Challenge Veh" right on the document. That pretty much sums it up for me. Now, would I like to have a raced version with a logbook? Sure, and one day I'll buy one if I find the right car. I'll only buy one if I like the color and graphics on the car though. I would never buy a car that I didn't like the looks of.
I compare this attitude to that of a baseball card collector who thinks his cards are better than everyone elses. It's just typical of any hobby. All you can do is roll your eyes and collect what YOU like.
Good luck with the sale, Jim.
Last edited by Vette Daddy; 10-01-2009 at 10:16 AM.
You guys are quick! Yes, this was built by GM with the sole purpose of being a racecar but was never converted into one. As Brett stated this is documented on the build sheet of the car. I ran into an interesting article about the collectible future of the C4 Corvette in Corvette Market (Fall 08 issue). They asked 6 well known individuals in the Corvette and/or car collector field – Which C4 will be the most collectible in 10 years? Of the 6, 4 of them specifically talked about the Corvette Challenge cars were high on their lists. One even stated – “A non-raced example would be your best bet.”
You guys are quick! Yes, this was built by GM with the sole purpose of being a racecar but was never converted into one. As Brett stated this is documented on the build sheet of the car. I ran into an interesting article about the collectible future of the C4 Corvette in Corvette Market (Fall 08 issue). They asked 6 well known individuals in the Corvette and/or car collector field – Which C4 will be the most collectible in 10 years? Of the 6, 4 of them specifically talked about the Corvette Challenge cars were high on their lists. One even stated – “A non-raced example would be your best bet.”
You read the same article also I see. Have you had any bites on the car yet Jim?
"An "unconverted Challenge car" is harder to find than a converted/raced version. I had a Challenge car owner who's car was raced in the series, tell me that my unconverted Challenge car was nothing more than a regular corvette and was NOT a Challenge car."
That person may have a point. Unlike the '88's which had the engines installed and sealed at the Factory, the '89's with this option were conversion eligible - the engines were shipped a couple of places and installed elsewhere along with the roll cages and safety equipment. After the season, the original motors were returned to the owners. I've heard/read that the speculators were driving the market by '89 insisting that the cars leave the Factory with the stock motor? Of the 60 that came down the line with this option code, something like 30 were actually converted. This one should be like any other stock '89, though the ZR1 bumper is curious along with the statement that GM was holding onto it for something.
Owning one of these special cars, I would respectfully disagree. Here's why.
No other corvettes produced in 1989 contained the GM option code of R7F. The factory build sheet also states 1989 Challenge Veh. No other 1989 Corvettes produced had this code or this data as part of the factory Build Sheet.
Disagree with what? What's on the Build Sheet isn't/was never on the car without the conversion; ie, there's nothing different about it except for the ink. GM randomly or intentionally selected this and 59 other '89's for Challenge conversion and for whatever reason, this one (and 29 others) didn't get it (no demand from what I remember), so the extra ink is just that. Now if GM used the vehicle for some sort of test mule, that may be a different story; but that isn't how the car is/was presented. Or if someone wants a car with a unique Build Sheet and nothing else, then of course this is it.
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FS- 1989 Unconverted Corvette Challenge
