Finding rare Corvettes is Terry Michaelis’ specialty, and ProTeam Classic Corvette Collection and Sales has lived up to its reputation by purchasing a 1965 Corvette Coupe known as the Suisse Racer.
ProTeam recently acquired the export Corvette, which was purpose-built and delivered to General Motors Auto Koch in Luzern, Switzerland more than 40 years ago. Originally owned and road raced by GM salesman Guido Wermelinger, today the Suisse Racer sports a correct rally red finish and a freshly prepared 396 cubic inch, 500 hp 4-speed engine with factory aluminum heads (the actual engine for an L89 Camaro, of which only 311 were ever produced). ProTeam also has the original 396-425 hp engine.
Additional features include an aluminum water pump, side exhausts, a teakwood steering wheel, race harnesses, race seats, an M-22 transmission, posi traction, a special heavy duty suspension and heavy duty brakes.
"Making it even more special, this Corvette has the General Motors Suisse S.A. Bienne body/engine/trim plate installed on the right hand inner fender along with the factory original VIN plate and St. Louis body/trim plate installed under the glove box," said Terry Michaelis, president of ProTeam.
Acquiring the elusive Suisse Racer was only the first step for Michaelis and his team of detectives. More important now is Michaelis’ marketing strategy and his hunt for the car’s complete owner and racing histories, race photos, import delivery documents, homologation information, F.I.A. records and much more, all in order to share the mystery of the Corvette’s truly amazing heritage with fellow fanatics. ProTeam’s dedicated sleuthing and Michaelis’ tireless efforts to uncover details of the Suisse Racer’s motorsports career and jaunts across Europe will add immense value to this rare Corvette.
"This is a numbers-matching, radio delete car that has been meticulously frame-off restored with modern upgrades to keep the car safe and competitive per European standards, making it ready to drive on the track today," said Michaelis. "We have a binder full of race photos and European documents, and it’s no doubt that the Suisse Racer’s story will continue to unfold throughout the year."
The binder has already surrendered clues to the Corvette’s celebrated history, including its International Automotive Federation (IAF) ratification with ASN seal, owner history and a comprehensive, 12-chapter restoration process.
Recently, ProTeam successfully restored and campaigned the famed "Last" Corvette, a 1967 Sting Ray that was the last C2 series Corvette ever produced. Michaelis acquired "The Last Corvette" in June 2005 and had the car restored to its original condition in order for it to secure the coveted "Top Flight" certification from the National Corvette Restorers Society, among other awards.
As a result of the team’s diligence, this historically significant vehicle received the recognition it deserved and sold for a record $660,000 at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in January.
Stay tuned as the saga of the Suisse Racer unfolds into another one-of-a-kind success story for ProTeam in 2007 and 2008.
ProTeam Classic Corvette Collection and Sales, based in Napoleon, OH, showcases the largest inventory of classic Corvettes in the world. Almost $20 million worth of Corvettes are displayed in 90,000 square feet of showrooms and restoration facilities in Napoleon and Auburn, IN, with nearly 200 classic Corvettes on display at any time.
For additional information, contact ProTeam at P.O. Box 606, Napoleon, OH 43545, call (888) 592-5086 or visit www.proteamcorvette.com.