Ely Reeves Callaway III, known as Reeves, was a prominent figure in the automotive industry and the founder of Callaway Cars, a renowned Corvette tuner. On Tuesday, he sadly passed away at the age of 76 after sustaining injuries in a fall at his California home. The legacy he leaves behind is one of innovation, success, and a passion for performance cars.
Born into a family deeply involved in the world of business and publishing, Callaway had entrepreneurship running through his veins. His father, Reeves Callaway Jr., was the founder of Callaway Golf, and his brother, Nicholas Callaway, went on to become a successful publisher. Reeves Jr. undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping his son’s entrepreneurial spirit and paving the way for his future success.
In 1977, Reeves Callaway established Callaway Cars in a humble garage in Old Lyme, Connecticut. With a lifelong passion for racing, Callaway’s first venture was a turbo kit for BMWs, which quickly garnered positive reviews, including from the esteemed automotive journalist Don Sherman in Car and Driver magazine. This early success fueled Callaway’s ambition and set the stage for more ambitious projects in the future.
While Callaway Cars became known for its aftermarket parts for various brands such as BMW, Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, Land Rover, and Mazda, it was primarily associated with the Chevrolet Corvette. In 1987, General Motors officially recognized Callaway as a Specialty Vehicle Manufacturer, granting them the B2K factory code and the ability to sell Callaway Corvettes through Chevrolet dealerships. This stamp of approval from GM solidified Callaway Cars’ reputation as a trusted and respected modifier of Corvettes.
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One of the defining moments for Callaway Cars came in 1989 with the creation of the SledgeHammer. This C4 Corvette was equipped with a twin-turbocharged 5.7-liter V8 engine, producing a mind-boggling 880 horsepower and 774 lb-ft of torque—unbelievable figures for the 1980s. The SledgeHammer captured the world’s attention when John Lingenfelter drove it to a top speed of 254.76 mph at the Transportation Research Center test track in Ohio. This record-breaking achievement cemented Callaway’s place in automotive history and showcased their commitment to pushing the limits of performance.
Throughout the years, Callaway Cars continued to elevate the Corvette’s capabilities and aesthetics. They introduced the AeroWagon, a shooting brake variant of the C7 Corvette, which garnered attention for its unique design and increased cargo space. Callaway Cars’ European arm, Callaway Competition, was established in 1994 and has been involved in racing Corvettes internationally. With the authorization from GM, Callaway Competition developed racing versions of the C6 and C7 Corvettes for the GT3 class, alongside the factory Corvette Racing program.
The passing of Reeves Callaway is undoubtedly a significant loss for both the automotive industry and the Callaway Cars family. His visionary entrepreneurial spirit, dedication to innovation, and unwavering passion for performance cars paved the way for the company’s success. Peter Reeves Callaway, his son and the current president of Callaway Cars, honored his father’s legacy in a statement posted on social media. Peter expressed gratitude for his father’s vision and emphasized the company’s commitment to continue growing and innovating in the 21st century.
Reeves Callaway’s impact on the automotive industry cannot be understated. His relentless pursuit of excellence and commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance will forever be remembered. As Callaway Cars moves forward without its esteemed founder, it is clear that his legacy will live on through the company’s continued dedication to innovation, craftsmanship, and the thrill of driving. Reeves Callaway leaves behind a remarkable legacy that has forever changed the world of performance cars.
