1968 Chevrolet Corvette in Scottsdale, Arizona

Vehicle Description

Campaigned 1972-1981 in IMSA and SCCA Trans Am and A/Production Built and raced by Fred Kepler; co-drivers included Bob Sharp and John Orr. Won the 1973 SCCA New York Region A/Production Championship; invited to ARRC (American Road Race of Champions). Long-term current ownership since 1974; eventually retired from racing in 1981. Total restoration to 1972/1973 livery. Invited and raced in the 2010 and 2011 at the Monterey Historic Reunion.

In 1972, Fred Kepler took what once was a factory-equipped L71 427/435hp car and built it to full L88 specifications, including a 650hp 427 with M22 “Rock Crusher” transmission, with the intent to compete in IMSA, FIA and SCCA Trans Am. Kepler was a well-known SCCA racer in the Northeast and was also known as one of the top independent Corvette racers. Once completed, the car competed first as #26, then as #36, with co-drivers Bob Sharp and John Orr. It placed 2nd in GTO and 4th overall at the Bryan IMSA three-hour race in 1972. In November of 1972 the car finished 10th in GTO in the Daytona 250. In 1973 at the Watkins Glen 6-hour FIA race the car finished 10th. In 1973 and 1974 the car competed in SCCA Trans Am at The Glen. In 1973 Fred won the New York Region SCCA A/Production Championship and was invited to the ARRC at Road America after leading the first 3 laps, the car was a DNF due to brake failure.

The car was sold in 1974 to Tom Rynone, who continued to race the car in A/Production, Trans Am and IMSA. After an accident at Watkins Glen in a 1981 FIA event, the car was retired and held by Rynone until 2000, when he sold it to the current owner. The new owner set on restoring it to its original 1972-73 livery, maintaining many of the original suspension components and details of its early history. Upon completion, the car made its track debut at the Rolex Monterey Historic Races in 2010 at Laguna Seca, finishing 2nd to a Porsche 935, but the following event at Sonoma redemption was had with a 1st in Class finish, beating out the same Porsche. The following year, in 2011, the car was awarded the coveted Monterey Trophy for performance and historic preservation.

Presently, the car is offered in its ’72-73 period racing setup, with the engine, transmission, exhaust, tires, livery and much more – presented the same as when the car competed. With the car comes with all racing logbooks for Kepler and Rynone, time sheets, race programs, restoration photos and the prestigious Monterey Trophy. SOLD ON BILL OF SALE ONLY-NOT LEGAL FOR STREET USE.