Vehicle Details
- Year: 1999
- Make: Chevrolet
- Model: Corvette
- VIN: 1G1YY12G2X5109125
- Mileage Shown: 4,548
- Transmission: Manual
- Title Status: Clean
- Color: Rosso Corsa
- Seller: switchcars
- Seller Type: Dealer
- Location: Twinsburg, OH 44087
- Dealer Fees: None
- Lot #: V-0023571
In a collaborative effort with IVM Engineering Group of Germany, Reeves Callaway set out to create an ultra-high-performance version of the fifth generation C5 Corvette to compete in the GT2 racing class at Le Mans. The result was the Callaway C12, a carbon-Kevlar bodied supercar featuring a unique coilover suspension with adjustable dampers, forged aluminum Alcon brake calipers, and a specially tuned 5.7L V8 from Callaway’s family of SuperNatural engines. This 1999 example, chassis #14, was ordered in the classic Ferrari color of Rosso Corsa over a red & black leather interior and is said to be the only fixed-roof model ever produced. Originally delivered to MJ Sullivan Automotive of New London, Connecticut in 1998, this Callaway C12 was then purchased by a collector out of Texas in 2004, who swapped the original engine to a Lingenfelter 427 V8. Acquired by the seller in 2022, the original engine was then reinstalled by the LS engine experts at Backstreet Performance in Medina, Ohio. Benefitting from a full fluid service and a multi-point inspection in anticipation of the sale, this rare Callaway C12 is now being offered for auction of Ohio showing approximately 4,500 miles on the odometer.
Assembled by hand at Callaway’s facility in Leingarten, Germany, the bodywork of the C12 was designed by Paul Deutschman in conjunction with IVM Engineering and was constructed using lightweight carbon hybrid panels. The original design of the body was almost completely reworked and measures a full two meters wide as per Le Mans regulations, and was aerodynamically optimized for speeds above 200 MPH. Chassis #14 was special ordered in Ferrari Rosso Corsa at an additional cost of $12,500, and features include encapsulated exposed carbon fiber headlights, two tail lights as compared to a standard Corvette’s four, redesigned ground effects, a power dome hood, vented fenders and quarter panels, and a dual-tipped center exit exhaust. Some scraping is noted by the seller on the underside of the front bumper, detailed images are provided in the gallery along with a clean CARFAX report. The 19” AZEV aluminum ten-spoke wheels are mounted with original Pirelli P-Zero Rosso tires.
The interior was custom-tailored in black and red upholstery and features the optional Carbon Cockpit Package equips carbon fiber trim to the center console, center stack, instrument cluster bezel, shift knob, and Callaway C12-branded kick plates. Details include red Simpson racing harnesses, IVM Engineering-branded instrumentation, black floormats with silver Callaway logos, a leather-wrapped Callaway steering wheel with a red bottom portion, drilled aluminum pedals, and a production badge located under the center stack that reads “Callaway C12, Number 014”. Amenities include an optional Alpine Audiophile sound system, automatic dual-zone climate control, power accessories, and remote keyless entry.
The Callaway C12 is powered by a 5.7L Callaway SuperNatural V8 featuring a Callaway optimized crank, forged connecting rods, lightweight forged aluminum pistons, proprietary cams, and CNC-machined aluminum heads. An output of up to 440 HP at 6,500 RPM is sent to the rear wheels by way of a 6-speed manual transaxle with a limited-slip differential, allowing for acceleration from 0-60 MPH in just over 4 seconds with a top speed of 183 MPH. Performance features include a specially developed coilover suspension with adjustable dampers, four-piston forged aluminum Alcon calipers paired with 355mm slotted rotors front and rear, a heavy-duty clutch, speed-sensitive power steering, and front and rear anti-roll bars. The second owner had the original engine replaced with a Lingenfelter 427 V8, which was then returned to stock with the original numbers-matching engine under current ownership by Backstreet Performance of Medina, Ohio in 2022. The seller also notes a full fluid service was completed as well as an inspection in preparation for the sale.
This sale will include a clean title, owner’s manuals, the original window sticker, a Callaway Certificate of Authenticity, and associated literature including an issue of Corvette Fever where this particular car was featured.
Auction Results
- Highest Bid: $120,000
- Auction End: Oct 31, 2022 07:46:16PM UTC
- Number of Bids: 8
Comments (16)
Thank you all for the bids but $120k is not going to get this one today. Let's see if a deal can be made after the fact.
Bid in the amount of $120,000
Bid in the amount of $116,000
Bid in the amount of $115,000
Bid in the amount of $110,000
Bid in the amount of $100,000
Great representation of a well-kept example here. It should also be noted that this particular C12 was the only one of the series built upon the fixed-roof coupe platform. The story of the C12 debut at Geneva 1998 was well-documented and shows the dedication and teamwork of many different talents across different countries all coming together, barely in time, using then-leading edge technologies. Worth a watch: https://youtu.be/uexYp5rMoMk
Bid in the amount of $85,000
@anelson Thank you. We share that same hope. Truly an underappreciated car, so far. They all are, until they aren't, and then everyone wishes they had bought sooner.
@switchcars it’s a sick car, hope you find a buyer that gets you what it deserves!
@anelson LOL neither one is going to own the car; C12s are easily six figure cars. I happen to know the person who bid $75k, they are a big time Corvette collector, and they would HAPPILY buy it at that price but it ain't going away for that. Go troll someone else's auction.
Lol, $20k to $75k… #shill
Bid in the amount of $75,000
Bid in the amount of $20,000
We did a video test drive :
https://youtu.be/bYsNWdjts88
Absolutely love these cars. Considering its history at Le Mans (took pole position in the GT2 class in 2001), it's surprising people don't talk about them more! I guess, like the Saleen S7, low production numbers make them so rare that some people don't even know they exist.