As a Corvette enthusiast, I really enjoy coming across unknown (to me, at least) Corvette improbable stories and historical facts. Whether it’s about learning more about the materials evolution of the Vette or how a boat company built the LT5 engine for the C4 Corvette ZR-1, that’s the type of obscure stuff I love finding.
Not long ago, I stumbled upon an unexpected partnership in the early 1970s between two prominent figures in the racing world. I’m referring to the Chevy Corvette and no other than the prancing horse Marque: Ferrari.
But if putting those two names in the sentence doesn’t seem bizarre enough, the fact that an American corporate feud resulted in a Corvette race car sporting a Ferrari racing livery should do. So without further ado, here’s the story of how a C3 Corvette raced during the 1973 Le Mans 24 Hours with a Ferrari badge.
Setting the Stage for the 1973 Le Mans and the C3 Corvette
Le Mans is an endurance spectacle where automotive legends are born. By 1973, the Chevrolet Corvette was already cemented as America’s sports car, celebrated for its perfect combo of muscle and handling. However, international motorsports was a different stage, and the Corvette didn’t often make its mark in Europe. This particular story centers on a C3 Corvette, a generation renowned for its shark-like styling, raw power, and untamed spirit.
The C3’s introduction to Le Mans was ambitious. With its brawny V8 engine, it was bold, brash, and ready to challenge European dominance. But it wasn’t just Chevrolet backing this effort; it was a privateer endeavor. Racing enthusiasts and teams like John Greenwood and Bob Johnson had already taken Corvettes to circuits, but this Le Mans entry was different.
What made this Corvette unique was more than its presence in France but the peculiar circumstances surrounding its Ferrari branding. At a time when Ferrari and Chevrolet were worlds apart in philosophy and design, their paths somehow crossed in one of motorsport’s strangest collaborations. This was no marketing gimmick or licensing agreement; it was a result of corporate drama and a bit of racing ingenuity. To understand how this Corvette ended up wearing the Prancing Horse emblem, we need to rewind to the power struggle happening in Detroit.
The Corporate Clash: GM, Ford, and Ferrari
This tale begins with a rivalry that has fueled countless stories: Ford versus Ferrari. Though the richly publicized battle is often affiliated with Ford’s venture into Le Mans glory, it inadvertently dragged Chevrolet into the fray. By the early 1970s, General Motors, the parent company of Chevrolet, wasn’t officially participating in any racing events. A company-wide ban on motorsport participation meant any Corvette racing was strictly privateer-led. Meanwhile, Ferrari continued to dominate endurance racing, backed by its Italian flair and deep motorsports heritage.
Luigi Chinetti, the North American distributor for Ferrari and a passionate racing enthusiast, brought a twist to the story. Chinetti had long worked to put Ferrari on the U.S. map and to support privateer teams under the North American Racing Team (NART) banner. However, by 1973, Ferrari’s resources had dwindled, and there was almost no factory support available for any Le Mans attempts.
Under NART, the Corvette became a vessel for Ferrari’s continued presence at Le Mans. It became an excellent example of the adaptability required in motorsports. Chinetti ensured his team would stay relevant even if it meant running a car that went against Ferrari’s ethos. It reflected the challenges and ingenuity faced by privateer racing teams amidst corporate rivalries and shifting priorities.
The NART Entry
The Chevrolet Corvette C3 was a bold presence at the 1973 Le Mans, its wide body and aggressive stance unmistakable. Now dressed in Ferrari’s iconic livery under the NART banner, the car became an interesting mix of American muscle and Italian heritage. For Luigi Chinetti’s North American Racing Team, fielding the Corvette wasn’t about making a statement but more of a pragmatic choice in the absence of factory support from Ferrari.
The Corvette, prepared by a privateer team, was already built for endurance racing with its powerful V8 engine, a stark contrast to Ferrari’s signature high-revving V12s. Under NART’s sponsorship, it symbolized an unconventional partnership, blending American engineering with European racing prestige.
At Le Mans, the Corvette didn’t go unnoticed, surprising fans and competitors alike with its Ferrari branding. It stood out as an unusual yet functional entry in a race known for pushing cars and drivers to their limits. The challenges of the 24-hour event including the mechanical strain, unpredictable weather, and relentless competition were the same for this joint effort as they were for any other team.
A Remarkable Performance and Legacy
The Ferrari-dressed Corvette delivered a decent performance at the 1972 24 Hours of Le Mans. It finished 15th overall. It was a somewhat commendable result given the stiff competition and the car’s tumultuous preparation. The achievement was made even more remarkable by the fact that the Corvette set a record for the fastest speed down the Mulsanne Straight.
Following Le Mans, the car’s journey continued, racing in various events before eventually being retired. Years later, it was painstakingly restored to its original Le Mans configuration, complete with its patched-up aluminum repairs and Ferrari-inspired livery. Today, it stands as a living piece of racing history, often appearing at vintage events where enthusiasts marvel at its improbable story.
