HELP! Specifications of the Sebring '56 Racecars

the-esses · 04-30-06, 06:32 AM

Hi Guy's

I'am trying to put together an article for our Corvette Club Magazine here in the UK, highlighting the 50th anniversary of the 'vette class win at Sebring ('56-'06).
What I'am missing at the moment is a complete specification of the five 1956 racecars, I've tried trawling the web, but I can only find bits and pieces.
Engine and chassis specs, bodywork modifications , RPO's used and experimental pieces will all help, hope I'm not asking to much!!..Just point me in the right direction!

Many thanks in advance

DRTH VTR · 04-30-06, 09:40 AM

I can't answer your question, but welcome to the CAC!

Tyler Townsley · 04-30-06, 09:43 AM

Here are 2 of the cars. There is a thread on Corvette Forum about SR 2s that include informtion on the 56 cars. You can do a search on SR 2. The best source of information and documentation is John Neas who owns/restored the cars below, he does not use the internet but I will email him this link and see if I can get him to provide some information either by email that I can post or directly to you.

http://www.sirgalahad.org/tyler/misc/LSSebring1.JPG
http://www.sirgalahad.org/tyler/misc/john3_sfrount.jpg

Tyler

PS The second picture is quite large and I know it is a 'SR 2' but underneath there is a story, hopefully I can get John to tell us.

the-esses · 04-30-06, 01:51 PM

Thanks for the welcome, I'm usually lurking, picking up news and info for the Classic Corvette Club UK website (http://www.corvetteclub.org.uk/ )

Cheers Tyler nice pics, I'll have a search on corvetteforum but as you say if you could get the info on the restored cars that would be great help.

Thanks again Guys

Tyler Townsley · 05-02-06, 01:56 PM

Attached is some information and pictures John supplied IMSA in 2005, the webpages are www.imsaracing.net/2005/cc/sebring/corvette7.htm and www.imsaracing.net/2005/cc/sebring/corvettecorralwriteup.htm . The majority of modifications done to cars #1, #5, #6, and #7 were covered under RPO-SR-option 1 through 13. Some of the modifications to engine, transmission, and body of #1 car were not included in the RPO-SR options. (ie larger engine ZF 4-speed and less body parts). If you needs more information, Jonh can probably help. The Blue car posted above is really one of the 56 race cars rebodied as a SR2, it is not a true production line SR2. ST=Sebring Racer, the SR1 were the 56 cars and the SC2 were the 57 cars.

Tyler

the-esses · 05-02-06, 03:30 PM

Thanks Tyler, That's plenty of info and some good pics, please pass on my gratitude to John. Long live the old racecars....

Cheers Mate and Thanks again.

Tyler Townsley · 05-04-06, 12:32 AM

Some more info from John on the #3 car.
Quote
The blue #3 car had a fifty-five frame and a Chevrolet Engineering background with probably a manufactured 1956 body on it. I believe it ran in several races after Sebring. The drivers were friends of Dick Doane (Doane being the nominal sponsor of the #1, #5, and #6 cars at Sebring). The car burned later in the year. However a 1955 Corvette (Note I assume John means the car had the #3 vin) took top flight at the National NCRS meet at Collinsville, IL several years ago. You are welcome to guess at some of the scenarios that are back of these events.

I have attached a picture of the #3 car taken several days after the race by Dick Irish, a Ferrari racer and owner, and friend, who was on the 1956 Sebring team. Please give him credit.

http://www.sirgalahad.org/tyler/misc/56racers.jpg

Unquote.

Tyler