Prepare to be mesmerized by the remarkable tale of the 1959 Purple People Eater—a racing Corvette that etched its name in history. This captivating article unveils the untold secrets of one of the most renowned racing Corvettes to ever grace the track. With its distinctive metallic purple paint and an unbeatable track record, the Purple People Eater dominated the SCCA B-Production class during the 1958 and 1959 seasons, leaving its competitors in awe and its fans in sheer admiration.
Crafted by a dedicated team at Nickey Chevrolet in Chicago, the Purple People Eater MKIII represented the epitome of racing excellence. Led by the visionary marketing genius of Jack Stephani and the racing passion of his father, this iconic Corvette was born to conquer the tracks. Its journey began when the Stephani family ventured into racing Corvettes, determined to stand out from the sea of silver and white. With a bold decision, they bestowed their Corvette with a mesmerizing metallic purple paint job, inspired by Sheb Wooley’s chart-topping hit, “The Flying Purple People Eater.”
Behind the wheel of the Purple People Eater was the talented and fearless driver, Jim Jeffords, who came highly recommended by none other than Zora Arkus-Duntov himself. Jeffords’ exceptional racing skills and relentless determination propelled the Purple People Eater to unparalleled success. Winning every race it entered in the SCCA B-Production category, except for its final race, Jeffords showcased the sheer dominance and unrivaled performance of this magnificent Corvette. With its 283-cu.in. Chevrolet V-8 engine equipped with factory Rochester fuel injection and a four-speed manual transmission, the Purple People Eater left its mark on the racing world.
Today, the legacy of the Purple People Eater lives on, cherished by the Miller family of Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Owned by the late Chip Miller, co-owner of the Carlisle Fairgrounds, the car is now under the care of his son Lance. Through the passionate efforts of Tom Stephani, the resource and historian for this legendary car, the Purple People Eater’s authenticity has been unquestionably established. This racing marvel continues to captivate enthusiasts and serve as a testament to the ingenuity, dedication, and indomitable spirit that defines the Corvette’s racing heritage. Get ready to immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring story of the 1959 Purple People Eater Corvette—where racing prowess and timeless elegance collide in a symphony of speed and style!
