By David Palmeter 

The Purple People Eater Corvette Story

From: Lionel Lindheimer 
Sent: Monday, July 07, 2008 2:08 PM
Subject: Purple People Eater

Hi David,

I'm "Lindy" Lindheimer and I started the Nickey Chevrolet Racing Team in 1958. In the first year we won 28 out of 31 races ..the other 2 were DNF's . We built 2 cars and won the 58 National Championship. Dr. "Dick" Thompson never drove the Purple People Eater nor did he ever drive for "Nickey". In 59 we did a repeat with 30 out of 31 wins.  The 59 is completely restored and belongs to The "Chip" Miller family. Hope this helps update your web page.

 L. "Lindy" Lindheimer
      lindyphx@yahoo.com 

Thanks, Lindy. I didn't think I had ever heard of any connection between Thompson and the Purple People Eater but I also thought Noland Adams was an authority of some consequence. Guess he got this one very wrong. Thanks again, David

The First Purple People Eater

Above and Below - The first Purple People Eater (above) was based on the modified Corvette called the SR-2 (Second Generation "Sebring Racer" below)

The Second Purple People Eater

Above - The second Purple People Eater was based on production 1958 Corvette.

The Third Purple People Eater

Below - The Third Purple People Eater was based on production 1959 Corvette.

Above - Early 1959 race with cut down stock windshield

Above 5 Photos - August 14, 2002 - 1959 Nickey Corvette at the Salinas, California Single Axle Corvette Club meet 

  
Above - 1959 Nickey Corvette at Monterey Historic Races August 17, 2002