Passionate gearmaker David Freeman offers something rarely seen in the world of collector cars: a deeply personal build with a purpose that extends far beyond the garage. His one-of-a-kind 1969 Chevrolet Corvette restomod will be auctioned at the Mecum Kissimmee auction on January 16, 2026. 100% of proceeds benefit Curing Kids Cancer, a nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating pediatric cancer research.
The Corvette itself represents a five-year vision carefully brought to life. Freeman set out to create a sophisticated interpretation of a 1969 Corvette – one that retained the soul and silhouette of the original while delivering performance, reliability and build quality on par with modern supercars. Subtle design details set it apart from typical restomods, with each modification designed to enhance the car without overpowering its heritage. Under the hood sits a GM LT4 engine with a Magnuson 2650 supercharger that produces 589 hp and 670 lb-ft of torque at the rear wheels while also fitting under the stock hood to preserve the vehicle’s original appearance.
What began as a lifelong passion project took on new meaning with the completion of construction. Around the same time the car was finished, Freeman was dealing with his own prostate cancer diagnosis – a moment that changed his perspective. Through his daughter, a pediatric oncology nurse, David gained first-hand insight into pediatric cancer research that remains severely underfunded. The contrast between state-of-the-art automotive technology and the limited resources available to children with cancer was impossible to ignore. Once intended to be a forever car, the Corvette suddenly felt capable of serving a greater purpose.
Important details:
- GM LT4 engine with Magnuson 2650 supercharger
- 589 hp/670 lbs-ft of torque at the rear wheels
- Bowler 4L80E automatic transmission with an output of 800 horsepower
- Streetshop C7 suspension with double adjustable QA-1 coilovers
- Brembo GT brakes (15 inches)
- Ferrari Cuoio full leather interior with Mercedes velor carpet
- Custom-made and manufactured carbon fiber interior trim and sill trim
- Custom Forgeline wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires
This realization led Freeman to look for a way the car could make a noticeable difference. Conversations with Mecum Auctions revealed a long-standing partnership with Curing Kids Cancer, which led Freeman to contact the organization’s founder, Grainne Owen, directly. Her story – turning the loss of her son Killian to leukemia into a mission to fund life-saving research – underpinned the decision. Curing Kids Cancer uses every dollar raised to accelerate treatments from the lab to the clinic, giving children faster access to better outcomes.
With this clarity, David Freeman committed to auctioning off the entire Corvette for charity. If selling this car can help advance research and give even one child more time with their family, the decision to part with them will be easy. What remains is not just a remarkable car, but a powerful reminder that passion projects can have meaning far beyond horsepower numbers and auction results.
