The Story Behind the 40th Anniversary of the Chevrolet Small Block Chevy Gathering and Artwork
In 1995 a gathering like no other occurred at the Performance Industry Tradeshow in Columbus, Ohio. Legendary NASCAR builder, Smokey Yunick had brought together the icons that designed, built, and raced the Chevy small block engine, which was celebrating its 40th anniversary that year.
Working with PRI founder, Steve Lewis, they gathered some of the most famous people associated with the renown V8. Most notably was the man who put the SBC into the Corvette, Zora Arkus-Duntov, in one of his last public appearances. That momentous decision of stuffing a V8 into the Corvette not only set the arc for the future of “America’s Sports Car”, but also it shifted the entire Chevrolet brand forever.
Along with Duntov and Yunick there were 18 other notable SBC contributors including Herb Thomas, the first driver to win a NASCAR race with the small block Chevy V8 at Darlington in 1955, and Bob Clift, one of the Corvette engineers of the '50s and '60s who test drove many of the Corvettes. Chevrolet even sent down engine #0001. You can only imagine what it must have been like when they took the stage in front of 700 fans and told their stories.
To commemorate this historic event, noted automotive fine artist, Kelly Telfer, created ten limited edition serigraphs depicting the first Chevrolet small block in a checkered flag design. One was gifted to Chevrolet for the anniversary celebration, and two (#9/10 and #10/10) were signed in pencil by the entire contingent of SBC legends. #9/10 is in the private collection of Steve Lewis, and #10/10 is available for purchase from the artist.
Steve Lewis said of Kelly Telfer, “There is only one Kelly Telfer. As a former racer he understands the car and driver, and his immense talent allows him to capture the true poetry of the automobile and its motion on canvas.”
Until now only the original ten serigraphs have existed in private collections. Partnering with the Petersen Automotive Museum to help pay tribute to Zora Arkus-Duntov, Kelly Telfer has agreed to rerelease this stunning SBC depiction in an exclusive limited edition run of 40 museum quality fine art prints, hand-signed and personally numbered by him, and available exclusively through the Petersen Automotive Museum.
For further information about the Petersen Automotive Museum and to see a list of upcoming exhibits and events, please visit their website at www.petersen.org
For further information about Kelly Telfer's work and to see a list of upcoming art shows, please visit his website at www.kellytelfer.com or email us at sale@telferdesign.com.
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About Kelly Telfer: Kelly Telfer works out of his studio in Campbell, CA. His paintings are rendered in acrylic on canvas and are known for capturing the excitement and emotion in motorsports.