Classic Aircraft & Auto Inc.
Chevrolet's Manta Ray with our 69 L88 Replica at the 1971 24 Hours of Daytona
Two Corvette Design Engineers are to the left along with Don and Jim
About Us
We have been involved with Corvettes since our first purchase of a 1959 Corvette in 1966. This was the first of over 30 Corvettes we have personally owned over the years. In 1969 our work involved rebuilding and modifying C2 & C3 Corvettes. At this time we became involved in road racing and followed especially the Owens Corning RaceTeam. We noticed that some of the parts used on the race cars were available at our local Chevrolet Parts counter. From this, a market was developed to convert both C2 and C3 Corvettes. The C3 L88 FIA Road Racing Light Kit was especially popular in the early 70’s. This light kit along with the L88 flares were two of the Distance Group parts sold in the performance catalog. Our first shop owned car was converted in early 1970 where we took a 69 Convertible and added the L88 FIA Light Kit, Front Spoiler, L88 Flares, Windshield Wiper Cover Kit and a Rear Spoiler. This car was updated with 1970 grills and other parts. From this first car, we built several L88 replicas and a business manufacturing Corvette race inspired parts. While attending the 1971 24 Hours Of Daytona, we met Zora Arkus Duntov. He was interested in our car and arranged a photo to be taken with our car and the Manta Ray on the infield of Daytona. In 1972 the Light Kit and other parts were in short supply and became difficult to obtain. Our shop made molds of many fiberglass components along with engineering drawings of the light kits. As the parts were dropped by Chevrolet, we tooled up to manufacture these. In 2008 we updated our molds and reengineered our other parts for a better fit and finish. All of our products are proudly made in Tennessee by true craftsmen that are quality conscious and dedicated to producing the best.