Performance auto entrepreneur Ely Reeves Callaway III died July 11 after sustaining accidents in a fall. The Callaway Cars and CEO was 75.
Callaway based Callaway Cars in 1977 in his storage in Old Lyme, Conn. A former Formula Vee champion driver, Callaway realized engine constructing, chassis tuning and element fabrication whereas dreaming of turning into an expert race automotive driver. After operating out of funds to maintain racing, he put these abilities to work constructing prototype turbocharger techniques on a automotive borrowed from a driving college the place he was working.
His first product success was an aftermarket turbo package for BMW. The firm’s designs went on to ship for Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, Land Rover, Mazda and General Motors.
“Reeves always strived to make the finest vehicles and products, and then improve them. His support of our customers, partners, and team members was unwavering,” COO Mike Zoner mentioned in an announcement. “We shall carry his vision and mission forward and continue to grow the company he founded and built into innovative future products that he would applaud as we honor his legacy.”
The firm’s work for Corvette earned it a Specialty Vehicle Manufacturer designation and led to a world report in 1989, when Callaway Cars’ Twin Turbo Corvette hit 254.76 mph, setting a production-car high pace report that wasn’t overwhelmed till 2010.
Callaway was additionally a longtime board member for aerospace and protection firm Kaman Corp. and a founding adviser to a hydrogen-powered plane startup supported by NASA and the Air Force.
Source: www.autonews.com
