The Cheetah GT V8 was built in 1963 by Bill Thomas, who aimed to build a car with a very high power to weight ratio to beat the new Shelby Cobra's. However, after 25 cars were built, his factory was burnt down, and Chevrolet withdrew their backing.
| Chief designer | Don Edmunds |
| Chassis Type | Spaceframe Race Works chassis painted silver and had 9 additional gussetts and were built using 4130 chromoly tubing. They used solid mounts for the engine, transmission and differential. The Seats were stationary while the pedals could be adjusted to fit the driver. |
| Body | The first 2 were aluminum, then they were created made using fiberglass with a
green gelcoat, and then painted. There were 8 pieces that were joined together. |
| Engine |
| Model | Sourced from a Chevrolet 327. Race engines stroked and bored to 377ci with AMC Studebaker crank and balancer |
| Type | 90-degree V8, OHV, 2VPC |
| Capacity | 5351 cc / 327 cu.in. |
| Bore x Stroke | 101.6 mm (4.0") x 82.55 mm (3.25") |
| Max Power | 520 bhp @ rpm |
| Max Torque | 475 Nm (SAE) @ 4400 rpm |
| Compression ratio | 11:1 |
| Fuel Injection | Rochester modified dual meter unit. |
| Transmission |
| Gearbox | 4-speed manual shift Muncie M21 or M22 RockCrushers. |
| Ratios | I : 2.20:1
II : 1.68:1
III : 1.31:1
IV : 1.00:1 |
| Clutch | Standard 327 flywheel with an 8 1/2" clutch, 2200lb. pressure plate, hydraulic throw-out bearing, 26 spline, 6" shaft and u-joint. |
| Final Drive | Chevrolet heavy-duty aluminum differential as used on 1962 Corvette Grandsports. |
| Ratio | 3.72:1 |
| Suspension |
| Front | Tubular A-arms, Monroe coil-over, adjustable shocks. |
| Rear | Fabricated tube arms and Monroe coil-over, adjustable shocks. |
| Brakes (Front and rear) | Dual cylinder 11" (279 mm) Chevrolet Nascar drums with cerametallic linings. |
| Wheels (Front and rear) | 7 x 15" American Racing Torque-thrust magnesium round spoke |
| Tyres (Front and rear) | Goodyear T-4 race tyres 6.50-6.70 x 15 |
| Steering | 1962 Chevrolet Station Wagon heavy-duty spindles, Triumph Herald box & rack (Also found on Spitfires). Bell Auto Parts 15 1/2" steering wheel. |
| Dimensions |
| Wheelbase | 90"/2286 mm |
| Height | 47"/1194 mm |
| Width | 68"/1727 mm |
| Front track | 57"-59"/1448-1499 mm |
| Rear track | 57"/1448 mm |
| Ground clearance | 5.5"/140 mm |
| Kerb Weight | 1649 lbs/748 kg |
