One of the more successful drivers to use the potent all-aluminum ZL1 engine in the C3 Corvette was John Greenwood. He campaigned cars in both the on the short-track SCCA events as well as the major international endurance races.

In 1971 Greenwood won the 1971 12 Hours of Sebring with co-driver Dick Smothers. This win helped him secure a deal with BF Goodrich to promote the BF Goodrich Radial T/A tires.

When one of his cars was severely damaged in 1972, John Greenwood converted his 1969 L88 Convertible into a formidable race car. Included as the formidable ZL1 engine with 750 bhp on tap. Other modifications included a rear spoiler, quick replacement radiator and camber adjusters.

In this configuration #49 raced the 1973 12 Hours of Sebring, 24 Hours of Daytona and 24 Hours of Le Mans. During this time it was campaigned by John Greendyke, John Greenwood, Robert R. Johnson, Dick Smothers and Don Yenko. At Le Mans, this car set the GT-class record for top speed down the Le Mans straight with 215 mph.

Owner John Thompson restored Greenwood’s #49 car with its classic BFG Goodrich livery. He debuted it at the 2008 Quail Motorsports Gathering and was later shown at the 2009 Amelia Island Concours the Special Display at 2009 Bloomington Gold.

In Detail