Reeves Callaway: The Man Who Made Corvettes Fly

Reeves Callaway was the founder of Callaway Cars and a legend of American performance. He famously engineered the "Sledgehammer" Corvette, which hit 254 mph in 1988. Unique among tuners, he secured a deal with GM allowing his twin-turbo monsters to be ordered directly through Chevrolet dealers (RPO B2K).

The Accidental Engineer

Reeves Callaway (son of Ely Callaway, founder of Callaway Golf) didn't start out to build an empire. In 1977, while working as a driving instructor, he simply wanted more power for a BMW 320i. He built a turbocharger kit in his garage that worked so well, Car and Driver magazine praised it. This success led to the founding of Callaway Cars in Old Lyme, Connecticut.

The B2K Option

Callaway's engineering was so precise that General Motors took notice. In a move that is almost unheard of in the automotive industry, Chevrolet offered a "Callaway Twin Turbo" package as a factory option. Between 1987 and 1991, customers could walk into a Chevy dealer, tick the box for RPO B2K, and receive a fully warranted, twin-turbo Corvette built by Reeves' team. This solidified his status not just as a tuner, but as a specialized manufacturer.

The Sledgehammer

Reeves' most iconic achievement came in 1988. To prove the durability and speed of his engines, he built a custom Corvette known as the Sledgehammer. Driven by John Lingenfelter, the car was driven from Connecticut to Ohio, reached a staggering top speed of 254.76 mph (410 km/h), and was driven back home. It held the title of the world's fastest street-legal car for decades, long before the Bugatti Veyron existed.

A Legacy of Speed

Reeves Callaway passed away in 2023, but his innovations—from the AeroWagon shooting brakes to successful GT3 racing programs—left an indelible mark on the Corvette legacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Reeves Callaway and what is his legacy in the automotive industry?

<p><strong>Reeves Callaway</strong> (1947–2023) was a legendary American engineer, racer, and the founder of <strong>Callaway Cars</strong>. He is best known for his "Powerfully Engineered" philosophy, which transformed street cars into world-class performance machines. Entirely self-taught, Reeves turned a garage operation in Connecticut into a globally respected <strong>Specialty Vehicle Manufacturer</strong>. His legacy in 2026 is defined by his decades-long partnership with <strong>Chevrolet</strong> and his status as a pioneer in high-pressure turbocharging and supercharging technology.</p>

What is the significance of the Callaway Corvette "B2K" RPO code?

<p>The <strong>B2K</strong> designation is one of the highest honors in the tuning world. In 1987, General Motors granted Callaway Cars an official <strong>Regular Production Option (RPO)</strong> code, allowing customers to order a Twin Turbo Callaway Corvette directly from their local Chevrolet dealer. This was the first and only time in GM history that a third-party modification was sold and warranted through the factory network. This partnership validated Reeves Callaway’s engineering standards as equivalent to major <abbr title="Original Equipment Manufacturers">OEM</abbr> quality.</p>

How did the Callaway "Sledgehammer" Corvette break world records?

<p>In 1988, Reeves Callaway developed the <strong>"Sledgehammer" Corvette</strong> to showcase the absolute limits of his engineering. Driven by John Lingenfelter, the car reached a verified top speed of <strong>254.76 mph</strong> at the Transportation Research Center in Ohio. This record for the world’s fastest street-legal production car stood for 22 years until it was finally surpassed by the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport in 2010. Crucially, the Sledgehammer was not a stripped-out racer; it maintained full <abbr title="Air Conditioning">A/C</abbr>, power windows, and 50-state emissions compliance.</p>

What was Reeves Callaway’s first successful product?

<p>Reeves Callaway’s career began almost by accident in 1977. While working as a driving instructor, he developed an <strong>aftermarket turbocharger kit for the BMW 320i</strong> in his garage. After a glowing review by <em>Car and Driver</em>, orders flooded in, leading to the foundation of Callaway Cars. This early success with European imports established his reputation for "bulletproof" forced induction, eventually attracting the attention of <strong>Alfa Romeo</strong> and <strong>General Motors</strong>.</p>

What is the relationship between Reeves Callaway and the 24 Hours of Le Mans?

<p>Reeves Callaway was a staunch believer in the "race on Sunday, sell on Monday" mantra. He founded <strong>Callaway Competition</strong> in Germany to homologate and race Corvettes in the European GT circuits. His team achieved significant success at the <strong>24 Hours of Le Mans</strong>, including a pole position and a 2nd-place finish in the GT2 class in 1995. This international racing pedigree allowed him to develop the <strong>C12</strong> and <strong>C16</strong> bespoke supercars, which utilized Le Mans-proven aerodynamics and cooling systems.</p>

What is the Callaway "AeroWagen" concept?

<p>The <strong>Callaway AeroWagen</strong> is a unique "shooting brake" (station wagon) conversion for the C7 Corvette, designed in collaboration with long-time partner <strong>Paul Deutschman</strong>. Reeves envisioned a vehicle that combined the performance of a supercar with increased utility. The package replaces the rear hatch with a carbon fiber structure, creating a sleek, wagon-like silhouette that has become a cult favorite among American Corvette enthusiasts for its distinct aesthetic and factory-level fit and finish.</p>

How did Callaway Cars evolve in the 2020s under Reeves’ guidance?

<p>In his later years, Reeves shifted the company’s focus toward <strong>supercharging</strong> high-volume GM trucks and SUVs. This led to the development of the <strong>SC602</strong> and <strong>SC750</strong> packages for the Chevrolet Silverado, Tahoe, and Cadillac Escalade. By 2026, these vehicles are recognized for their <strong>GenThree™ Supercharger</strong> systems, which utilize a patented triple-element intercooler design to maintain consistent power even in extreme towing or off-road conditions.</p>

What is the "TripleCooled™" technology found in Callaway vehicles?

<p><strong>TripleCooled™</strong> is a signature Callaway innovation designed to solve the heat-soak issues common in supercharged engines. The system uses a high-flow intake manifold with three separate intercooler elements. This design ensures that the air entering the engine is significantly cooler, allowing for more aggressive timing and consistent horsepower. In 2026, this technology is a key differentiator for Callaway, allowing their 700+ hp trucks to remain reliable as daily drivers in the USA.</p>

Who is leading Callaway Cars in 2026 after Reeves’ passing?

<p>Following the passing of Reeves Callaway in July 2023, his son <strong>Pete Callaway</strong> has taken the helm as President. Pete, who worked alongside his father for nearly 20 years, continues to uphold the company’s legacy of engineering excellence. In late 2025, Pete announced a strategic partnership with <strong>Holley Performance</strong> to expand the reach of Callaway performance packages through a new digital sales network while maintaining their exclusive <strong>Chevrolet Dealer</strong> distribution model.</p>

What is Reeves Callaway’s connection to the golf industry?

<p>While Reeves was the titan of the automotive world, his father, <strong>Ely Callaway Jr.</strong>, was the legendary founder of <strong>Callaway Golf</strong>. Although they operated in different industries, Reeves utilized his expertise in carbon fiber and advanced composites through <strong>Callaway Carbon, Inc.</strong> to assist in the R&D of high-performance golf clubs. This family cross-pollination of material science is why both the cars and the golf clubs bearing the Callaway name are synonymous with <strong>lightweight strength</strong> and technical innovation.</p>