Rare Corvette-Powered Ferrari Killer Cheetah Sells for $520,000 at Auction

Automotive history was made this week when a rare Bill Thomas Cheetah—one of only 19 to 23 ever built—sold for $520,000 at auction. The mid-engine, Corvette-powered sports car, designed to challenge Ferrari and Shelby Cobra dominance in the 1960s, fetched a staggering price on Bring a Trailer.

From Corvette Specialist to Ferrari Slayer

Bill Thomas, a Californian engineer, began his career in the 1950s by building race-prepped Corvettes for General Motors. By 1960, he founded Bill Thomas Race Cars, setting the stage for his most ambitious project yet: the Cheetah.

With backing from Chevrolet’s Performance Product Group and its leader Vince Piggins, Thomas secured critical C2 Corvette components to construct his own race car. Partnering with lead fabricator Don Edmunds, he created a car unlike any other of its time.

A Radical Design for the Racetrack

The Cheetah featured a front mid-engine layout, a chrome-moly tubular chassis, and independent suspension sourced from the Corvette. Its most striking feature was its cockpit, pushed as far back as possible—placing the driver and passenger almost directly over the rear axle. The result was a low, aggressive profile optimized for performance.

A V8 Beast Under the Hood

Powering the Cheetah was a 327 cubic-inch Corvette V8, later upgraded in some examples to a 377 cubic-inch Chevrolet V8 with mechanical fuel injection. Power was sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission, ensuring a raw, driver-focused experience.

Tragedy Strikes, Only 19 Survive

A devastating fire at the California workshop halted production, leaving only 19 to 23 Cheetahs completed. One of these rare survivors—a red 1965 model—recently went up for auction. According to the Bring a Trailer listing, its build began in late 1965, shortly after the fire, and featured lightweight fiberglass body panels and 15-inch Torq-Thrust wheels shod with Firestone tires.

The car was originally delivered without an engine but was later fitted with the powerful 377 cubic-inch V8. Its transformation from a half-finished project to a six-figure collectible underscores the enduring appeal of these rare machines.

"A half-finished dream turned six-figure collectible. Not the worst outcome."

Why the Cheetah Matters in Automotive History

The Cheetah was more than just a car—it was a statement. In an era dominated by European exotics and American muscle, Thomas aimed to create a Ferrari and Shelby Cobra killer using readily available Corvette parts. Though production was cut short, the Cheetah’s legacy lives on as a testament to innovation, ambition, and the spirit of competition.