Only 270 Grand Sports came...
Only 270 Grand Sports came with red interiors, and Heinricy's was one of them.
Around a dozen Grand Sport pilot cars were built and used for testing, each one carrying a sequential VIN. A few were destroyed during the validation process, but the remaining ones were refurbished and offered for sale. In the summer of 1995, Ralph Cramer, the head of GM public relations, arranged for the press to drive the Grand Sport at Road America. GS 001-the car Heinricy had personally driven during validation-was one of the cars used, but unfortunately, a press member blew its engine during the track portion of the event. The car was returned to Detroit, and a new engine was installed.
After testing was competed, GS 001 went into the Chevrolet dealer system with 7,500 miles on the clock. Heinricy obtained permission to purchase the car, then followed its dealer-delivery path to Cauley Chevrolet in West Bloomfield, Michigan. A deal was made, and Heinricy became the owner of the very first '96 Grand Sport. His wife Rita drove it during their first year of ownership. The last time he renewed its tag was in 1997, and since that time he has only used the car for autocross events. It currently has a little more than 15,000 miles on its odometer.
Heinricy brought his pride and joy to last year's C4 Gathering in Bowling Green and entered it in the autocross event. Not surprisingly, he won. "Heinrocket" plans on keeping GS 001 for a long time, and we can't blame him.
While 001 is not street driven,...
While 001 is not street driven, it gets plenty of exercise on the autocross circuit. Here, Heinricy is on his way to a top finish in last year's C4 Gathering autocross, held at the NCM. Note the 1997 expiration date on the license plate.
Heinricy's Grand Sport is...
Heinricy's Grand Sport is equipped with Hoosier A3S03 rubber to maximize its grip for autocrossing. The car's original center caps are stored away in a safe spot.
Designer John Cafaro used...
Designer John Cafaro used vintage racer Bob Patterson's Grand Sport for inspiration when he designed the '96 version's paint scheme. A.J. Foyt raced this car at Sebring in 1964. Cafaro wanted to use the "eyebrow" stripe on the new car, but it was too difficult to apply at the factory, so a straight stripe was used instead.
How would you like to have...
How would you like to have a Corvette bearing this VIN in your garage?
GM covered the Grand Sport...
GM covered the Grand Sport coupe's 11x17-inch rear wheels with these Japan export-market fender extensions. The GS was the only domestic C4 to wear these flares.