It’s loud and proud
THE Waimate 50 Motorsport Festival is all about history, heritage and — of course — loud cars ripping around the track.
Part of that history will be relived at this year’s edition of the popular event on October 20 and 21 in the form of a vehicle that raced in the Waimate 50 close to 50 years ago, Russell Greer’s 1959 Stanton Corvette.
Powered by a V8 engine, the car was originally built in 1959 by brothers Maurie and Charlie Stanton, for the 1964 racing season.
The vehicle was restored by Mr Greer to its original condition several years ago.
Today, it runs a 5.8litre Chevrolet engine and still uses the old chain drive from the original.
In its day, the Stanton Corvette raced at circuits all over New Zealand, taking on some of the best the world had to offer, including a Ferrari 250 LM.
It has also been raced extensively in classic events around Australia and New Zealand for many years.
Waimate 50 Motorsport Festival organiser Rob Aikman said he was delighted Mr Greer would be bringing the car, which raced in Waimate in the early 1960s, back to South Canterbury.
‘‘It’s a pretty historical car that’s well known in New Zealand . . . It’s a very special car.
‘‘It makes a lot of noise, as they did back then and it’s something a bit different.’’
While the vehicle would not race at the event, he still expected there to be huge interest from spectators and those with a love for vintage sports cars.