by Mike Gulett –
Bill Thomas created the Cheetah to compete with the Shelby Cobra in 1963 and produced 16 or 17 examples between 1963 and 1965. Thomas had help from Chevrolet in the beginning because they wanted to beat the Ford powered Shelby Cobras at racing. There may only be 11 original Cheetahs left now.
The engine was pushed so far back in the chassis that the transmission connected directly to the differential without a drive shaft!
This is an extreme example of front mid-engine placement and explains why the rear of the Cheetah is so short – the differential had to touch the transmission. This resulted in nearly an equal front to rear weight distribution similar to a mid-engine car. This also resulted in an uncomfortable driving position because of the engine heat in the cockpit and I suspect the physical position was not comfortable for a long race.
Mecum Auctions has this one – Cheetah no. 4 of 11 completed by Bill Thomas – up for auction May 14-19 in Indianapolis.
Mecum writes,
THE STEVEN JULIANO ESTATE COLLECTION
Engine 327 CI
Trans 4-Speed
Color Red
Interior BlackHIGHLIGHTS
One of the most complete and original Cheetahs known to existUnrestored original condition
Cheetah no. 4 of 11 completed by Bill Thomas
Owned new and raced by Bud Clusserath
In 1965 Clusserath sold the car to Sam Goins
Goins maintained ownership of the car for 53 years until it was sold to Steve Juliano in 2018
Featured in Automobile Quarterly in 1981
Fuel-injected 327 CI Corvette engine
M21 4-speed transmission
C2 Corvette rear differential
Chevrolet stock car drum brakes
Letter of Authenticity by Bill Thomas III attesting to the car’s originality
The estimate is $500,000 – $750,000 USD.
Let us know what you think in the Comments.
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All photos compliments of Mecum Auctions.
Amazing cars. I have been racing against one this morning at Donington in the UK. Sadly it crashed although just w bit of fibre glass damage.
Wow, wish I had $800,000 of disposable cash.
Not sold at a high bid of $250,000.