When I hear the name Callaway these days, the first thing that comes to mind is golf clubs, specifically, drivers with titanic sized heads. I know, I should be ashamed of myself admitting that on a car site. I think it’s the fact that the Corvette makes such monstrous power right out of the box, today, and has for years, that it doesn’t really need the extra help anymore. But that wasn’t the case in 1987 when Callaway Cars Inc. set their sites sights on the Corvette, at that point their upgrades were warranted. Now that that’s out of the way, let’s look at a 1987 Chevrolet Callaway “BK2” Corvette that is located in Montclair, New Jersey and available, here on craigslist for $47,500. Thanks to Ikey H. for the tip!

Callaway Cars Inc. was formed in Old Lyme, Connecticut in 1977  by Reeves Callaway. The company’s initial focus was on turbocharger kits for various European marques and their success on that front caught the attention of the Corvette’s then Chief Engineer. Specifically, Callaway first offered the twin-turbo option (RPO BK2) for the Corvette in 1987. It developed 345 HP, had a 178 MPH top speed and retailed for just under $50K with production continuing through 1991. There were also aero body enhancements included with option BK2, known as the Calloway AeroBody, introduced with the 1989 model. The total production volume of BK2’s was 184 cars and they were available directly through participating Chevrolet dealerships. Callaway continues to this day and still provides aftermarket performance enhancements for Corvettes and other GM vehicles.

Our 15K mile example, number 104 of 184, is well documented and appears to be in like-new condition. Other than the NACA hood ducts, this ‘Vette looks like a standard convertible model so it’s a bit of a sleeper. The subtle appearance, triple black finishing, and BBS wheels create a sinister, business-like appearance. One statistic that I could not uncover is the split between coupes and convertibles that were enhanced by Callaway but it stands to reason that the coupe was the majority benefactor. The seller rates the body of his car as a 10!

The listing for this ‘Vette claims a 365 HP output from its 5.7-liter V8 engine even though Calloway rated their upgrade at 345 – perhaps it has had modifications? The seller adds, “This car has 2000 proprietary upgraded and CNC machined superior metal parts – over a regular Corvette.” I’m not sure what that means, if it’s 2,000 unique parts attributable to the Callaway option, I suppose that’s possible but it seems like an excessive number. While performance stats are listed, there is no mention as to how this specific Corvette runs and drives. One would think it’s a spectacular performer and worthy of some braggadocio. Gear changes are handled by the peculiar 4+3, four-speed manual transmission which provides an automatic overdrive.

As for the interior, the seller states, “Interior still smells new. Graphite leather sports seats, carpets glass are a 10. It’s a show-car! Guaranteed 1st place with this machine.” No doubt about it, it’s in excellent condition in its blocky, chunky 1980’s way. It’s a matter of preference, but I could seriously do without the video game instrument panel, it’s more of a distraction than anything else, but again, it’s a subjective preference. The good news, at least, is that it all appears to work.

The seller suggests, “This is USABLE performance. A refined sports-car for the executive collector.” That seems to be this ‘Vette’s next stage in life as it’s obvious that you can buy a much newer, used, stock Corvette, for a whole lot less, that will perform notably better. And that begs the question, is a 32-year-old, OEM modified Corvette a true collector car? And if not, will it be in the near future?