The motoring world is in mourning today, as Callaway Cars announced the sad passing of its founder, Ely Reeves Callaway III. The tuning legend passed away in his Newport Beach, California, home, succumbing to injuries sustained after a fall. Callaway was 76.
A major figure in the automotive world, he was the first son of Ely Reeves Callaway Jr., the founder of Callaway Golf. Happy to forge his own path, Reeves Callaway III started tuning vehicles in 1977 from his garage in Old Lyme, Connecticut.
His first success came from a turbo kit for BMWs, which was reviewed favorably in publications like Car and Driver. That led him to move out of his garage, and start tuning professionally, setting up shop in Connecticut.
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Although Callaway Cars has worked with vehicles from across the automotive world, the company is best associated with the Chevrolet Corvette. Among its creations was the legendary “Sledgehammer.” A twin-turbocharged Corvette that set a production-car top speed record of 254.76 mph (409.99 km/h) in 1989. The record stood until 2010 when the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport broke it.
“Dad’s passion for making beautifully designed and crafted machines can be seen in each and every project, and we remain devoted to executing to the highest standards, in true Callaway fashion,” said Peter Reeves Callaway. “He was a charismatic leader with a sense of humor that we will all remember through various “Reeves-isms”. I feel fortunate to have grown up working with him and the company.”
In addition to tuning, Callaway was also an avid racer and helicopter pilot. A Formula Vee champion in his day, he launched Callaway Competition in 1994, which found success in European GT racing and at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Through Callaway Carbon, Inc. and his board seat on the Kaman Corporation, he also worked in the aerospace sector. In recent years, he was working on a blended-wing, hydrogen-powered aircraft that received funding from NASA and the U.S. Air Force.
“Reeves always strived to make the finest vehicles and products, and then improve them. His support of our customers, partners, and team members was unwavering,” said Mike Zoner, Callaway Cars’ chief operating officer. “We shall carry his vision and mission forward and continue to grow the company he founded and built into innovative future products that he would applaud as we honor his legacy.”
Reeves is survived by four children and two grandchildren.
