The most "significant" Chevrolet performance car.

[hvychev]

In one of the Mecum threads an interesting topic was brought up. Someone made the comment that the blue RS ZL1 was "the most significant muscle car in existence" or something to that effect. Then our esteemed Mike G. disagreed and said that there were cars in his collection that were of less value that he would not trade evens for on that ZL1. This is a very interesting topic. Everybody seems to have an opinion as to what the most "significant" GM performance car is. Significant could have many meanings. It could be a race car, it could be a car that started a trend in the automobile industry, something rare, etc.

Lets have an exercise. What do you feel is the most significant single CHEVROLET performance car in existence? In keeping with the tradition of this site, just Chevrolets please, as we know there are countless "significant" Fords, Mopars, Pontiac's, Olds, etc. What do you think is the end all be all of Chevrolet performance cars?

My vote for one particular car is the #1 Dick Harrell ZL1 race car.

If I were to go a certain type of car I would say the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. I feel that car is probably most known by all as THE most recognized American Performance car of all time.

[92646]

Frank I would vote for the blue R/S ZL1 that just sold. About 15 years ago I walked past that car 3 times at a car show here in Huntington Beach and never gave it a second look. It was early, the hood was closed and I do not remember anybody around the car. When I walked past it the fourth time, the hood was up and everything changed. This was the first real ZL1 I had ever seen in person and boy did it make an impression on me then.
Mark Sheppard

[ORIGLS6]

We're opening a HUGE can of worms here.

One for the upcoming loooooooooooooooooooooong list would be the '57 Chevy/Corvette F.I.: the first to hit the magical One HP per Cubic Inch.

[Charley Lillard]

I think I had commented that my opinion that the RS ZL1 is probably the most valuable production Chevrolet. My comparison would be against the # 1 ZL1 in stock form and I would rather take the RS ZL1 especially in the unrestored condition that it is in. I would also take it over either of the ZL1 Vettes. One has no paperwork and I think the other is restored.

[Tenney]

One of the Grand Sports. Would lean toward the blue RS ZL-1 musclecar-wise, tho.

[hvychev]

Charley or anyone who knows, other than the blue ZL1's amazing originality, what is the story behind the car? Any significant history or events involving the car?

Interesting so far guys!

[csx289]

Frankie,

Pretty good chapter about the blue RS ZL1 in my book- also includes Ken Barnhart's ZL1...good reading if I don't say so myself Hell, the damn book is less than 4 crappy magazines if you buy it on Amazon.com

On the topic (and also in the book), might I cast a vote for the one and only 1968 Z/28 convertible built for Pete Estes - one-off car with factory cross ram, 4.56 gear, JL8 brakes, 'glass hood, etc. I've driven it and it is one wicked car - and nobody will EVER say they like "the other" Z/28 convertible more

Colin

[kwhizz]

This is the one that had the "Most" Impact on me growing up in Chicago.....From my perspective......The Sickness started with the 62 409 "Bubbletop" cars......I know, I know.....But for me .....this is where it started and I have a real soft spot for them........There was a guy in the Neighborhood by the name of Bill Bretz that had a duplicate of the Car in the Pic........Ran it at the International Amphitheater and the Grove and was the Fastest Car around at the time........Pretty Cool and Good Memories



Ken

[ohhawk]

I think you would have to throw the following into the hunt as well........

http://www.57chevyblackwidow.com/guide.html

"most significant performance car" I think would have to be the Corvette. Maybe not always the fastest in a straight line from point A to B but performance is more than straight line speed. It still exists as an icon for performance after most have folded.