RIP to a Corvette legend.

I have a print of a painting by James Harris of the 67 L-88 LeMans Corvette that is believed to be the the first L88 to come off the line and the only Sting Ray to ever compete in the LeMans race. It is signed by Mr. Guldstrand.

Since GM was out of racing except out of the back door the car was a privateer effort by Dana Chevrolet at Southgate California. They took the stock Corvette and made the few modifications allowed from stock to run in the GT class. It was a low budget affair compared to the competition.

Half way through the 24 hour race the car had created a sensation by outrunning the GT completion by 2 1/2 laps and set the record on the Mulsanne Straight of 172 mph. The automotive world was stunned as the car continued to gain on the best in the world.....until the 13 hour when a vibration was felt in the L88 engine and then died with a broken wrist pin.

As the team leader and driver when the car shut down Dick Guldstrand trudged up the front straight from the retired Sting Ray. 200,000 Frenchmen rose in a standing ovation for the American race-car.........it is the source of legends......

RIP Dick Guldstrand........

Sad day.

Dick was an absolute sweetheart.

Met him and John Fitch on the same night. Established a minor friendship with Dick to the point where he recognised me at events (can't ask the man to remember my name!).

He will be missed by many.... his passion and tireless energy.

Saw this car at Sebring this year and thought it was the one driven at Leman's but it is Number 8 and the car in my picture is #9.......hmmmm.......any ideas....racer guys?

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Yep different car, same team.

#9 was at the 2013 Monterey Sportscar Reunion along with other racers, it didn't get raced but some other famous cars did.

RIP, Dick.

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BTW in 2013, Corvette was the featured marque.

#9 was not only the cover car for the event program (a keeper, about 1/4 in. thick) but it was also on one of the tee shirts.

Yes, I bought both.

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Very cool......thanks for the info Bill......and the pic of the 9 car.....

I remember back in 88 when I had found my 63 Roadster I was living in Manhattan Kansas at the time. I was looking for some help in the restoration of the car and parts so I went over to Country Corvettes in tiny Nortonville KS since they were the place to go back then for point perfect restorations. They were the ones who restored the #9 race car. I was not looking for my low option 300 hp car to be a point perfect car I just wanted a driver. The owners name was Joe Malicke and I asked him if he wanted to work on the car. He was nice but declined because his only ideas on restoration was a 100% NCRS car and I remember him saying why bother to restore it if you weren't going to go for that. So I ended up having the big stuff done at Corvette Restorations in Madison Nebraska and still stop in there from time to time...........

Glad I got the chance to talk to him on the phone, great guy.

I guess the shop is closed

I was trying to contact them about some more parts.

Now I know why