Carlisle Loses Lost Briggs Cunningham Corvette to Courts!

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

An interesting twist to a story I have been following on a noteworthy collector Corvette. It was announced a short time ago that a Corvette with quite a history was to appear at the Corvettes at Carlisle events this month. What no one anticipated was that a controversy would develop that was so big it would lead to court!

The "Lost Cunningham Corvette" is one of those stories steeped in mystery, intrigue and rumor. For more than three decades one of three famous Corvettes which competed in the 24 hours of Le Mans over 50 years ago has remained missing. Then suddenly, with the Carlisle events gearing up in Pennsylvania, it was announced that the famous car would be in attendance!

The story starts in 1960 when three Corvettes were built to race at Le Mans by Briggs Cunningham, co-founder of the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA). Cummingham was also a manufacturer and avid racer of cars and yachts. Cummingham personally drove the #1 car at Le Mans, along with his co-driver, William Kimberly. The car crashed before the end of the race and following the race "went missing". The #2 and #3 cars whereabouts were always kept track of, but the prized trio was always thought impossible to reunite.



#1 Cummingham Corvette (left) with #3 (right)
Photo Courtesy: motorauthority.com

 Up until recently when it was announced that the #1 Corvette had been picked up in 1972 by a man at a Florida junkyard sale. It is said to have been sitting in storage in St. Pete where it was found by Richard Carr, the man's son. Carlisle Events co-owner, Lance Miller, unveiled  the car, along with the history as he knew it. It certainly created quite the buzz in the Corvette world.

But, as most mysteries do, there was more to the story than first met the eye. After a brief showing, the car was taken away to an "undisclosed location" and further viewings were cancelled. News that ownership of the car was in question emerged, with details from Carlisle that the Corvette had been sold by Pamela Carr to Lance Miller, and that Miller then sold it to Kevin Mackay. A second owner had come forward. A man named Dan Mathis produced a Florida title for the car, claiming that the car had been stolen from his father back in the 1970's. Initial reports are that no police report was ever filed, and that the alleged title was not issued until August of this year!

It has been reported that each party has filed suit against the other, and that what was to be an incredible find of great importance to the Corvette "society" is now swirling in controversy. The case will be heard on September 26, 2012 before the U.S. District Court.

REFERENCE / ARTICLE RESOURCES:
Autoweek - Cunningham Corvette Battle Heads To Courts
examiner.com - Long Lost Briggs Cunningham Corvette Finally Sees The Light Of Day
motorauthority.com - The Battle For The 'Lost' Cunningham Corvette Heads To Court
New York Times - Long-Lost Le Mans Corvette, Found at Last?
Washington Post - Long-Lost Briggs Cunningham Corvette On Show At Carlisle

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Carlisle Events - Carlisle Events website
SCAA - Sports Car Club of America website

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.