Images: Mecum Auctions

The sixties meant a whirlwind of wins for Corvette on numerous race tracks, but finding one of the iconic race cars from that era is like trying to whistle with a bunch of crackers in your mouth – harder than you might imagine. Luckily, there comes a time when vintage race cars have to change hands, however, and for the 1966 SCCA A/Production Corvette race car nicknamed “Leonard,” that time is almost here.

Next month, this fine example of a vintage Corvette racer will cross the stage at the Mecum Auction in Monterey, California. But beyond this car’s appealing period-correct restoration and racing history, this Corvette also offers an original Muncie M22 4-speed transmission – one of just 15 ever put in 1966 model-year Corvettes.

Driven by Lynn Butler of Salt Lake City, Utah back in the day, Leonard raced under the flag of Gordon Wilson Chevrolet and “The In Team” moniker. Specifically ordered for racing and prepped by Bruno‘s Corvettes and Traco Engineering, the car was equipped with a L72 427/425 powerhouse, M22 4-speed gearbox, F41 suspension, J56 heavy-duty 4-wheel disc brakes, a 4.56 Posi-traction rearend, K66 transistor ignition and soft top delete.

The car was never driven on the street.

Once complete, Leonard went on to dominate in SCCA West Coast A/Production with Butler, and A and B/Production races with a different owner, securing many championship titles to boot. The car also dominated in San Diego slalom and autocross events for years. In 1994, the car was also a Bloomington Gold Special Collection participant.

Now fully restored to as-raced condition, the Leonard Corvette will cross the auction block at Monterey on Friday August 16th. The car features its original Muncie M22 4-speed, engraved with “Lynn Butler The In Team Corvette,” and a non-original but period-correct 427 CI engine, as well as correct vintage racing liveries. The sale of the car will include a copy of the original order sheet and an extensive collection of vintage photos and race results.

This vintage racer would certainly add spark to any Corvette collection, and with an estimated going price of up to $200,000, we’re hoping to see it go to a real Corvette racing enthusiast!