Based on a 1988 Chevrolet Corvette, the famous Callaway Sledgehammer was built by Callaway to exceed all existing top speed records and as a showcase for Callaway’s industry-leading engineering expertise. For years the Sledgehammer owned the record as the fastest street-driven car in the world, having set the mark on October 26, 1988 when John Lingenfelter drove it to an incredible 254.76 MPH at the Transportation Research Center (TRC) in Ohio, an enormous facility with a 7.5 mile oval track. The record run occurred after the Sledgehammer was driven from Callaway headquarters in Old Lyme, Connecticut to TRC.

Rated at 898 HP and 772 lb-ft of torque, the balanced and blueprinted engine was hand built by Callaway Cars using a 4-bolt main NASCAR-spec GM "Bowtie" engine block, Mahle pistons on forged connecting rods, a special cam to enable both a docile drive around town and voluminous breathing at high engine speeds and Brodix aluminum heads for maximum power and durability. Extensive research was required to efficiently package the engine within the Corvette’s tight confines, which also were made to accept twin Turbonetics TO4B turbochargers, matching intercoolers and all the plumbing necessary to make it all work.

Carroll Smith tuned the Sledgehammer’s suspension for high speed stability by relocating the lower control arms, reducing the car’s ride height by one inch. Koni shock absorbers were used in conjunction with 17-inch Dymag aluminum wheels wearing specially made Goodyear tires developed for the high speed run.

Inside the Paul Deutschman-designed Callaway Aerobody is a mostly stock interior modified for the high speed run with a leather padded roll bar, 5-point harnesses and instruments for monitoring goings-on beneath the hood. And yes: it still has the factory air conditioning and sound systems!

In 2013 the Sledgehammer was inducted into the Bloomington Gold Great Hall, which “recognizes 50 people and 50 Corvettes that significantly influenced the Corvette Phenomenon” – a great honor for one of the world’s great Corvettes.

