Production: 2050; 1988 Total Production: 15,382 Coupes; 7407 Convertibles
The 1988 35th Anniversary Callaway Twin Turbo Corvette option ZO-1 was restricted to Coupes and produced a total production of 2050 units. Adding Option B2K produced a production of only 4 cars, two were automatics (a $6500.00 option from Callaway) and two were 4 speed manuals, this resulted in an extremely rare car. The B2K package was offered on our Corvette for an additional $26,500.00 bringing the total sticker price of our car to over $61,495.00; when you could buy a base coupe for $29,489.00. Easily double the price of a normal Corvette.
In 1988 power levels increased, Horsepower was now rated at 382 and torque rose to 565 lb-ft. Throughout production, running changes were made. Callaway wheels were available in 1988 cast out of magnesium from Dymag in England and were available in 17-inch diameter, (this is the same wheel used on the Corvette Challenge Cars). Changes included; Dymag wheels become standard equipment with other options such as an automatic transmission and full leather interior.
In the early 80’s GM was looking at high performance engine options such as turbo charging and multi-valve technologies. GM was aware of Callaway’s reputation and the cars it had produced. In fact, they had taken a Callaway Alfa Twin Turbo and examined the work closely. After GM’s own twin turbo V6 and V8 projects had run their course, Dave McLellan gave the nod to Callaway, authorizing him to develop a prototype. The resulting prototype was introduced in June 1986 to GM and the media. With 345 hp and 465 lb–ft torque, the twin turbo V8 package was engineered to be the ultimate Corvette package, producing tremendous power while retaining its emissions controls and a complete warranty. Callaway Engineering served as the warrantor of the drive train; Chevrolet serviced and warranted the rest of the car.
The Callaway Twin Turbo Corvette became known as Chevrolet option RPO B2K and was available through select Chevrolet dealers both in the United States and abroad. It continues to hold the distinction of being the only engine package produced outside of GM to hold an RPO code, something that will probably never happen again. Produced between 1987 and 1991, over 500 of these special Corvettes were made in coupe, convertible, and at the close of production, the Speedster form. By ordering a Corvette through the dealer, and checking the option box for B2K, it triggered a series of events, which ensured the cars received special equipment and handling under SEO Z5G. And it also put into play a unique color combination of a two-tone exterior with white with black roof bow, white leather seats, white steering wheel, white wheels, special interior and exterior accents, a console mounted anniversary plaque, and special emblems.
With only 4 cars optioned such as this, the four that remain has been reduced to three. The sister car to our car; suffered a fire and was a total loss. Our car remains as the only manual transmission, 35th Anniversary Twin Turbo Callaway that was built in 1988. Add to that, only 212 original miles on its odometer; how rare is that?
For over twenty years, the name Callaway has been synonymous with powerful and well-engineered Corvettes and today continues to create stunning one of a kind super cars.
