One Gnarly C2 – Optima Ultimate Street Car at SEMA 2014

_MG_8530While those of us associated with Corvette Online strolled the numerous lots and halls at this year’s SEMA Show 2014, we were on the hunt for a Corvette or two that caught our eye. One such car happened to be Brian Hobaugh’s 1965 Chevrolet Corvette C2. The Hobaughs have failed to give the car a leisurely life, by using it for racing amongst their family. Supposedly, the original owners used the C2 for autocross from the time it was new. We are happy to hear that one of America’s sports cars has been fulfilling its potential for such a long time. We have also been wondering whether this ’65 could have the most race history of any ’65 out there.

Most recently the car competed at the Sixth Annual OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational. The event attracted a field of 58 speed hungry drivers to race their well prepared street vehicles out at Spring Mountain, in Pahrump, NV. Cam Douglass, the director of product development and marketing for OPTIMA Batteries had this to say about the event, “The drivers pushed their cars as hard as they possibly could, and their lap times showed it.”

He also mentioned, “It was a terrific example of how capable and entertaining street-legal cars of all makes can be. All three of the top finishers proved their cars are truly exceptional performers, delivering outstanding results in each of the various driving challenges.”

_MG_8537Originally this was a fuelie car, but she now has a 364 ci engine with Brodix heads and TPiS fuel injection. Controling all of this is an Accel DFI Gen 7 engine management system, and the Vette is now pushing about 525 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque.

Internally, the engine is built with a lightweight crankshaft from Scat; and a cam, connecting rods, and rocker arms from Crower. This power is being transferred through a Muncie M-21 four-speed that has been significantly modified in some ways, but also maintains some stock configuration thanks to the awesome initial design. 

Hobaugh said that the car has a recent paint job done by Car West Elite and the fender flares are hand-laid to fit the 18-inch wheels wrapped in some large 315-series Falken tires on all four corners. To slow the beast down, the car is fitted with Wilwood brakes in the six-piston and four-piston variety. Other modifications to the car include Hooker headers, Edelbrock mufflers, and shocks from JRi.

As you can see, the interior is mostly stock, except for a Kirkey race seat, and a few necessities to race in the sanctioned events.

It was a pleasure to see the car sitting out on the floor at the SEMA Show as we had only previously seen this car in media form. The car definitely looks as mean in person as it does here and we hope this ’65 continues to uphold its racing history as the Hobaugh family continues forward. Definitely not one to let get away!

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About the author

Brent Davis

Brent was born and raised in Southern California. After earning a Bachelors Degree in business marketing from California State University San Marcos, and a project management certificate from the University of California at San Diego, he decided to turn a lifelong passion for automobiles and motorsports into a career. Brent has a specific passion for diesel-powered and all-terrain vehicles that have helped him haul and recover recreational toys over the years.
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