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Corvette indirectly supported a motor sports program in 1968 with the COPO L88 option. This was a special order that let prospective buyers receive a brand new Coupe or Convertible that had the big block L88 engine installed. The intention was to sell these to private teams and each further developed their cars from season to season.

Zora Arkus-Duntov began the L88 project in 1967 with great success winning the 1967 Sebring 12-Hour race from both Don Yenko and the Sunray DX Motorsports team.

The L88 was a big-block 427 in³ that produced around 550 to 560 bhp in stock form. Some of the teams were able to tune this engine to upwards of 600 bhp on racing fuel and with a large exhaust. Unlike the street L71 engine, the L88 had a strengthened crankshaft, 12.5:1 pistons, cold air induction and a 850 CFM dual feed Holley carburetor. As with any racing machine, the L88 left out the fan shroud, choke and and heating system.

L88 chassis upgrades were fairy limited. GM added the M22 Rock Crusher transmission, heavy duty brakes, heavy duty coil springs and a G81 positraction differential.

L88 Racing & Teams

American International Racing

American International Racing (AIR) - Led by James Garner, this Hollywood team bought three Le Mans Blue L88 roadsters. They were taken to California where Travers & Coons (TRACO) prepared the engines.

One month after delivery the three cars were sent to the Daytona 24-Hour race and smashed the FIA-spec competition in qualifying. The promising start was no indication of victory however, as all three cars suffered mechanical woes including an overheating differential. AIR sold the cars shortly afterwards and shifted to Lolas

The #44 car offered at Bonhams & Butterfields' The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering Auction an fetched $744,000 inclusive of Buyer's Premium. This car was Chassis no. 194678S405175 and was restored in 1991 for vintage motorsport. At this time a period-correct 454 was fitted to save th original unit.

Team M.C.D./Sunray DX

After a successful season with the 1967 C2 Sting Rays, Team M.C.D. fielded the new 1968 model. Engines were prepared by Don Yenko who spent time in the racing seat. Three cars were sent to the Dayonta 24-Hour race. Jerry Grand and Dave Morgan won their class in 10th position overall. A similar result was achieved by Hap Sharp and Dave Morgan at the Sebring 12 Hours placing 6th overall.

Scuderia Filipinetti

Swiss-team, Scuderia Filipinetti handled two L88 Corvettes at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, but neither finished the race. The car driven by Henri Greder and Umberto Maglioli is Chassis 194378S410300 and will be offered by RM Auction's Sports & Classics of Monterey Auction.

Owens-Corning Fibreglass

One of the most famous L88s were the pair of OCF roadsters prepared for the 1970 and 1971 racing seasons. The team won their class at the 24 Hours of Daytona and placed 6th overall. In SCCA's A-production class the L88s dominated, winning 22 of 22 national races and crowning Jerry Hansen as the National Champ.