Passionate gearhead David Freeman, is offering something rarely seen in the collector car world: a deeply personal build with a purpose that extends far beyond the garage. His one-of-one 1969 Chevrolet Corvette restomod will cross the block at the Mecum Kissimmee Auction on January 16, 2026, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting Curing Kids Cancer, a nonprofit dedicated to accelerating pediatric cancer research.
The Corvette itself represents a five-year vision brought carefully to life. Freeman set out to create a refined interpretation of a 1969 Corvette—one that retained the soul and silhouette of the original while delivering modern supercar-level performance, reliability, and build quality. Subtle design details distinguish it from typical restomods, with every modification executed to enhance the car without overwhelming its heritage. Under the hood sits a GM LT4 engine topped with a Magnuson 2650 supercharger, producing 589 horsepower and 670 lb-ft of torque at the rear wheels, all while fitting beneath the stock hood to preserve the car’s original appearance.
What began as a lifelong passion project took on a new meaning as the build reached completion. Around the same time the car was finished, Freeman was navigating his own prostate cancer diagnosis—a moment that reshaped his perspective. Through his daughter, a pediatric oncology nurse, David gained firsthand insight into how critically underfunded childhood cancer research remains. The contrast between cutting-edge automotive engineering and the limited resources available to children battling cancer was impossible to ignore. The Corvette, once intended as a car to keep forever, suddenly felt capable of serving a greater purpose.
Key Details:
- GM LT4 engine with Magnuson 2650 supercharger
- 589 HP/670 lbs-ft of torque at the rear wheels
- Bowler 4L80E automatic transmission rated to 800 HP
- Streetshop C7 chassis with QA-1 double adjustable coilovers
- Brembo GT brakes (15”)
- Ferrari Cuoio full leather interior with Mercedes velour carpet
- Custom designed and fabricated carbon fiber interior trim and rocker trim
- Custom Forgeline wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires
That realization led Freeman to search for a way the car could make a tangible difference. Conversations with Mecum Auctions revealed a long-standing partnership with Curing Kids Cancer, prompting Freeman to connect directly with the organization’s founder, Grainne Owen. Her story—turning the loss of her son Killian to leukemia into a mission to fund lifesaving research—cemented the decision. Curing Kids Cancer directs every dollar raised toward accelerating treatments from the laboratory to the clinic, giving children access to better outcomes sooner.
With that clarity, David Freeman committed to auctioning the Corvette in its entirety for charity. If the sale of this car can help advance research and offer even one child more time with their family, the decision to part with it becomes an easy one. What remains is not just a remarkable car, but a powerful reminder that passion projects can carry meaning far beyond horsepower figures and auction results.
