1989 Evans-Kudzu Series I GT

Sold for $66,500 on 1/19/22

This 1989 Evans-Kudzu Series I GT is reportedly one of two road-going examples produced by ex-Jim Downing Racing engineer John Evans. It is said to have remained in Evans’ ownership until it was purchased by the current owner in 2006 and underwent a mechanical refurbishment by Team York Racing of York, Pennsylvania in 2007. The car features IMSA GTP-based Kevlar-carbon-fiberglass composite bodywork over a semi-monocoque chassis with aluminum honeycomb panels, and power comes from a 5.7-liter Chevrolet V8 paired with a ZF five-speed manual gearbox and a limited-slip differential. Features include a fully-independent suspension, C4 ZR-1-sourced disc brakes, a full roll cage, fixed-back seats trimmed in black leather, air conditioning, and a MOMO steering wheel with a quick-release hub. A November 2021 service included the installation of a new fuel pump and battery as well as an oil change. This Evans is now offered on dealer consignment in Poolesville, Maryland, with factory documentation and wiring diagrams, period magazine articles, refurbishment records, and a clean Montana title in the name of the owner’s LLC that lists the car as a 1989 Evans.

Scottsdale, Georgia-based Evans Automobiles built several prototype-style road cars in the 1990s. The Series I GT features Kevlar-carbon-fiberglass composite bodywork based on Jim Downing’s Kudzu IMSA Camel Lights car, and this example was refinished from white to orange under previous ownership. Features include NACA ducts, butterfly doors, a single windshield wiper, and headlight covers. Cracks in the paint can be seen in the gallery below.

The multi-piece 17″ wheels feature basketweave inserts with Evans-branded center-lock hubs and are mounted with 245/40 front and 315/35 rear BFGoodrich g-Force T/A tires. The Series I GT rides on a 105″ wheelbase and features a semi-monocoque chassis with aluminum honeycomb panels. The fully-independent suspension features C4 Corvette-sourced aluminum unequal-length control arms along with coilovers at all four corners. The suspension was modified and the Corvette components were installed by Team York Racing of York, Pennsylvania in 2007 along with a Mazda Miata-sourced steering rack and C4 ZR-1-sourced disc brakes. This chassis was reportedly used as a development mule by Evans, spending time on track before conversion to road specification.

The cabin features fixed-back bucket seats trimmed in black pleated leather. Features include a full roll cage and aluminum side sills. The air conditioning system was converted to R134a, but will need to be recharged according to the seller.

The Alcantara-wrapped MOMO steering wheel is mounted on a quick-release hub ahead of VDO instrumentation consisting of a 160-mph speedometer, a 7k-rpm tachometer, and gauges for fuel level, oil pressure, water temperature, and amperage. The five-digit odometer shows 31k miles.

The 5.7-liter Chevrolet V8 features aluminum cylinder heads and electronic fuel injection. A replacement timing chain, gears, and water pump were fitted by FunKtion Auto Group of Dulles, Virginia in October 2012, and a November 2021 service performed by Auto Centro Inc. of Rockville, Maryland included the installation of a new battery as well as an oil change.

Power is sent to the rear wheels via a ZF five-speed manual transaxle and a limited-slip differential. A replacement fuel pump was reportedly installed in November 2021.

Articles from Exotic Cars Quarterly and the October 1990 issue of Sports Car International featuring the car are included in the sale and can be seen in the gallery along with a collection of refurbishment records.

The Carfax report notes two entries in Montana in 2007.

Photo Gallery

Auction Result

Winning Bid	USD $66,500 by etgryphon
Auction Ended	January 19, 2022 at 2:16PM PT
Bids	47

40,460 views

1,302 watchers

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