The Legendary Greenwood Corvette "Spirit of Sebring '75" Races Over the Auction Blog at The 9th Annual Russo and Steele Monterey Event

Monterey, CA. (Jun 5, 2009) -- The 9th Annual Russo and Steele ‘Sports & Muscle at the Marriott’ auction event will presents a range of the most luxurious and collectable European sports, American muscle, Hot rods and custom automobiles. Superior customer service, unparalleled quality automobiles, a unique and memorable event for every enthusiast’s has earned it the reputation as one of the Big Three auctions to watch. The auction event will be held August 13th-15th at the Marriott Hotel in historic downtown Monterey. It will present a diverse range of highly collectable marquees and models suitable to satisfy any automotive desires. In the world of racing, the Greenwood Corvette, chassis no.002, is one of the most significant. Developed by Chevrolet Corvette specialist, John Greenwood of Troy, Michigan, this world famous, coveted Corvette was crafted for one reason and one reason only, competition road-racing. Combined with its astonishing speed (715 hp), ease of handling and racing history this big-block V8 engine Corvette is iconic.

In 1974 the Greenwood Corvette was first seen in competition at the IMSA Road Atlanta. The Corvette that was called ‘The Batmobile,’ was driven by John Greenwood and Mike Brockman. After qualifying second in its first race it took the lead in the opening laps. In Talladegall driver, Milt Mither, was victorious after 50 laps and 200 miles driving this legendary Corvette. December 1974 another victory was claimed in a 66 lap, 250 mile IMSA Finale race at Daytona; hitting an average speed of 115.659mph, it embarrassed the competition winning by a full lap. This was just the beginning for Greenwood. John went on dominating the road-racing world with his lightening fast Corvette. In 1975 Greenwood’s Corvette finished 4th in the first Road Atlanta IMSA round. He then defended his title at the Daytona Finale race by winning in 1975. In which, he also set the fastest race lap and defeated Brian Redman’s BMW CSL by 40 seconds; setting another record with his speed at 116.775mph for the 65 laps.

C.J. Baker spoke about John Greenwood and his Corvette in ‘Hot Rod’ magazine saying: “Of course it’s true that John is on a first-name basis with many of the engineers at Chevrolet Division and that he has spent well over $125,000 developing his car, but still all of that is virtually insignificant when compared to the factory effort and expenditure the foreign companies have invested in their super-lightweight racers. And yet, when the checkered flag falls, there’s John Greenwood in the 2,800lb Corvette streaking across the finish line ahead of the 2,000lb wondercars from across the pond. For example John dominated (and won) the first three races (Pocono, Portland and Nelson Ledges) in the ‘’75 Trans-Am season…in partnership with Rudy Braun…”

For additional information or images please contact Stephanie Quinn at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

About Russo and Steele Collector Automobile Auctions

Russo and Steele Collector Automobiles is one of the nation’s premier collector car auctions; specializing in the world’s finest European sports cars, American muscle cars, hot rods and customs. Its three auctions each year attract clients all over the globe not only because of its reputation for stellar collector automobiles, but also unique auction experiences unattainable at any other collector car auction in the world. Its auction events take place with its signature auction in Scottsdale, Arizona every January, and Monterey, California in August. Additional information please visit www.russoandsteele.com or call 602.252.2697.



For more information, contact:
Stephanie Quinn
Phone: (602) 252-2697
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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