Rare Bill Thomas Cheetah Sells for $520,000
One exceptionally rare American sports car, the Bill Thomas Cheetah, recently realized a significant sale price of $520,000, approximately €470,000. The vehicle represents a significant piece of automotive history, created in the 1960s as a direct competitor to iconic Italian and American sports cars like the Ferrari and Shelby Cobra. The Cheetah’s development was spearheaded by engineer Bill Thomas, who leveraged his prior experience building Corvettes for General Motors.
Supported by Chevrolet’s performance program, Thomas designed the car with a focus on lightweight performance. Construction utilized a chromoly-molybdenum chassis, coupled with a Corvette V8 engine. A distinctive design placed the cabin far back, contributing to the car’s aerodynamic profile.
Production of the Cheetah was limited, with estimates suggesting only around twenty examples were ever created. One of these vehicles, later enhanced with a 377 cubic inch engine, was recently sold, highlighting the car’s rarity and historical importance. The sale underscores the continued interest in classic and collectible cars.
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