Driving Ambitions: The John Evans Supercars Odyssey from Dreams to Reality

Passion & Ambition - In the world of automotive dreams, not many enthusiasts can turn their aspirations into reality, especially when it comes to owning or driving a supercar. For individuals like John Evans, an American automotive enthusiast with limited capital, the dream was not just about possession but also about creating something unique.

The 1989 Evans-Kudzu Series I GT posed along with its sibling Evans 486LM or Evans Series 3. (Picture from: Pinterest)

Evans harbored a vision that proved to be exceptionally challenging – designing a supercar inspired by racing series like Group-C and GT1, a machine that encapsulated cutting-edge technology but remained road-legal.

The initial model for Evans Automobiles, the Evans 386LM prototype, was designed by Dave Lynn. (Picture from: GT1History)

Founded in 1986 in Scottdale, Georgia, Evans Automobiles became the canvas for John Evans' ambitious project, the Evans 386LM model. Collaborating with the talented designer Dave Lynn (also recognized as the person behind the Kudzu GTP prototype), the company embarked on a journey to craft a supercar that defied conventional norms. 

Initially equipped with a 3.8 and 4.7-liter Buick engine, the Evans 386LM underwent an evolution to accommodate a potent V8, boasting a capacity of up to 7 liters and featuring an aluminum block. (Picture from: GT1History)

The 386LM (initially intended as the ACO verification car, as well as the EPA certification car) weighed a mere 1,048 kg, built on a tubular frame adorned with carbon panels, and featured a carbon fiber body. An adjustable suspension system added adaptability, allowing the car to conquer both specific tracks and public roads.

Standard features of the Evans 386LM included a luxurious carbon fiber and leather interior with a cork and leather-wrapped roll cage, a Quaiffe limited-slip differential, and powerful front and rear calipers. (Picture from: GTPlanet)

Initially equipped with a 3.8 and 4.7-liter Buick engine, the 386LM underwent an evolution to accommodate a potent V8, boasting a capacity of up to 7 liters and featuring an aluminum block. This powerhouse enabled the car to achieve a breathtaking acceleration to the first hundred in just 3.8 seconds, reaching an impressive top speed of 330 km/h. 

The Evans 386LM was the ACO verification car, as well as the EPA certification car, weighed a mere 1,048 kg, built on a tubular frame adorned with carbon panels, and featured a carbon fiber body. (Picture from: GT1History)

Additionally, various sources mention multiple engine options throughout the program's development, including the Buick 4.0 turbo V6 or supercharged Buick 3.8 (likely in the early stages). Later on, alternatives like the natural aspirated aluminum 5.7 V8 block or even the massive 427 cu.in. (7.0-liter) were considered.

The Evans 486LM essentially the same as the 386LM but with a different nose section for public road comfort. (Picture from: Carakoom)

Standard features of the Evans 386LM included a luxurious carbon fiber and leather interior with a cork and leather-wrapped roll cage, a Quaiffe limited-slip differential, and powerful front and rear calipers. Additionally, a single-element, adjustable carbon fiber rear wing and rear diffuser were part of the package. Optional amenities like air conditioning, power steering, hydraulic ride height control, rear view camera, and CD/DVD/radio added to the appeal.

The Evans 486LM's specifications are identical to the 386LM except for overall length and price. (Picture from: VWVortex)

However, the high starting price of over 100 thousand dollars posed a challenge for sales. Prospective buyers hesitated due to the hefty price tag and the implied high level of piloting skill required for regular track day use. Despite these hurdles, the American automaker persisted, introducing the Evans 486LM – essentially the same as the 386LM but with a different nose section for public road comfort.

The 1989 Evans-Kudzu Series I GT, originally designed by Dave Lynn, later became produced by Evans Automobiles. (Picture from: BringATrailer)

Over the years, Evans invested considerable time in the development of the 386LM and its counterpart, the 486LM. Despite efforts to showcase the company's ability to produce a reliable racing car with minimal maintenance demands, sales were slow. By 2005, the price dropped to 65 thousand dollars, and even the molds with all the drawings were put up for sale, but interest remained tepid. The ambitious plan met its demise with the bankruptcy of Evans Automobiles, and even a rebranding to Silva based in Las Vegas couldn't salvage the situation.

In the end, John Evans' dream of crafting an accessible yet high-performance supercar encountered challenges extending beyond the realms of design and engineering. The narrative of the 386LM and 486LM stands as a testament to the intricate process of transforming automotive dreams into tangible reality. It offers enthusiasts a story rich in ambition and innovation. This unexpected conclusion to a chapter in automotive history could also serve as potential inspiration for others aspiring to turn their dreams into reality. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARAKOOM | DISENO-ART | GTPLANET | ALLCARINDEX | GT1 HISTORY | DAILYSPORTSCAR | BRINGATRAILER | VWVORTEX ]⁠

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