Some cars are more than machines—they’re statements, stories, and personal milestones. In the NHRA pits, Jim Grossi’s 1969 Chevrolet Corvette stands out as all of that and more. From its striking Tangelo Orange paint, to its thunderous COPO LS 427 engine, this Corvette blends the best of vintage style with modern ingenuity, creating a car that turns heads and demands respect.

Jim purchased the car from Dickie Ogles in Bowling Green, Kentucky, explaining, “It’s got a long history.” Grossi then transformed it into a masterpiece that combines nostalgia with performance.

At the heart of the build lies a naturally aspirated COPO LS 427 engine. The engine was built by Jeff Taylor and its topped off with a Hogan manifold that gets a lot of attention. Jime opted to use the stock COPO air cleaner since he thinks it just looks like it belongs there. This powerhouse doesn’t just look good—it performs. The Corvette has already made waves at the drag strip, achieving a best time of 8.75 at 152mph. 

Jim’s love of orange is evident in the Corvette’s bold finish. “I’ve always loved orange. I started with a ’69 Super D automatic Camaro for a while, and it was Hugger Orange, loved that shade of Orange,” he says. Using the House of Kolor’s design app, he spent weeks creating the perfect scheme, ultimately landing on Tangelo Orange accented with Metallic Silver and Black.

The interior reflects Jim’s desire to blend old-school aesthetics with modern functionality. Inspired by a visit to the Corvette Museum and seeing 2017 ZL1 Corvette with a similar look, he decided he wanted to do an old-style retro replica of the car. He designed the cockpit for both comfort and practicality, customizing a Max Pappas steering wheel by removing its top half for better visibility of the race pack dash. “I even have a battery cut-off right here. I don’t have to get out of the car for anything,” he explains.

Grossi credits the car’s success to a dedicated team. “I need to give special thanks to Phil Mandela, to Dickie Ogles, Scott at Scotty’s Speed Shop, and Jeff Taylor, especially on the engine.” Their craftsmanship, combined with Grossi’s vision, has created a car that stands out in the pits and on the track.

For Grossi, this 1969 Corvette isn’t just a build—it’s a testament to the passion and determination that fuel the world of automotive enthusiasts.