Our recent email opened with a commitment to preserve the legacy of Gib Hufstader, the GM engineer affectionately known as “the bag man” who delivered high performance parts at a time when GM was “officially out” of Corvette racing.
From a personal viewpoint, I cannot overstate Gib’s knowledge, kindness and enthusiasm that helped George Haddad achieve the dream of replicating down to every detail the 1966 race car with a development L88 engine that Roger Penske as team owner debuted on Feb. 5-6, 1966 at Daytona.
In return, it was heartwarming to appreciate how George’s respect for Gib grew into a lasting friendship; and by looking after him as his health began to slip away.
I can also vouch for the encouragement offered by Walt Thurn & Larry VanScoy, Corvette experts, writers, photographers and friends of all who were at Daytona in 2019 to capture the action.
Per Walt Thurn, “I first met Gib Hufstader at Daytona in 1971. He was providing GM guidance to our Rebel L88 team that was running in the 24 - Hour race. We met many times after that and formed a lifelong friendship. He was a humble, but a brilliant engineer who greatly impacted the development of the C2 and C3 Corvettes into world beating GT cars. I am honored that he considered me a friend. May he rest in peace.”
As Richard Prince put it, “Gib made the cars that millions of people around the world love so much better in every measure; and if you own a Corvette - any Corvette - Gib is riding along with you.”
In the words of GM engineer Herb Fishel, “Gib became a legend in his own time. He graciously shared his wisdom with all that ask. He worked with and cared for Zora until his passing. His passion for the Corvette never wavered! A legitimate pillar of strength who contributed greatly to the remarkable success of America’s Sports Car.”
We all-the-more intend to preserve the legacy of Gib Hufstader who survives us in spirit.
Photo credits: Richard Prince, Jan Hyde, Walt Thurn, Larry VanScoy, GM, Scott Teeters
