The Scorpion: Jerry Pennington’s Radical Corvette Masterpiece

Unique ONES - In the world of custom cars, creativity often leads to extraordinary results. Jerry Pennington’s journey into the world of show cars is a testament to how passion can turn into a legacy. His love for Corvettes and custom vehicles began in his garage, where he spent countless hours working on car repairs and modifications. From humble beginnings, Jerry’s dedication to his craft led him to establish Pennington Collision in 1968, marking the start of a professional career that would soon gain national recognition.

Jerry Pennington's 1972 Ridler and International Championship Awarding winning 'Scorpion.' (Picture from: Story-Cars)

What made Jerry Pennington stand out was his ability to take the classic Corvette design and transform it into something that had never been seen before. His most remarkable creation, the Scorpion, is a perfect example of this. Built on the foundation of a 1969 Corvette C3, the Scorpion was a radically modified rear-engine machine that captured the imagination of car enthusiasts. It wasn’t just about performance, but about design and innovation. Jerry, alongside designer Randy Wittine, crafted the Scorpion to be more than a show car. With its wide wheelwells, sleek scoops, and a turbocharged small-block engine mounted in the rear, the Scorpion became a symbol of cutting-edge customization.

The Jerry Pennington's Scorpion made its debut at the International Champion Auto Show, where it secured the Grand Championship title for two consecutive years, 1971 and 1972. (Picture from: Autorama)

Jerry’s shop in Troy, Michigan, became a hub of creativity where fiberglass repairs and custom modifications were done by hand. The Scorpion’s transformation was an intense process, with spoilers and wheelwell flares meticulously molded into the Corvette’s body lines. It wasn’t just the exterior that received attention, either. 

The Jerry Pennington's Scorpion sat on display at the 2013 Detroit Autorama. (Picture from: WeirdWheels)

The interior of the Scorpion was fitted with luxurious red velvet upholstery, giving the car an even more unique and striking appearance. This attention to detail extended to every corner of the vehicle, showcasing Jerry’s commitment to excellence.

The Jerry Pennington's Scorpion sat on display at the 2013 Detroit Autorama. (Picture from: CorvetteBlogger)

The Scorpion made its debut at the International Champion Auto Show, where it secured the Grand Championship title for two consecutive years, 1971 and 1972. This achievement not only put Jerry on the map but also solidified his reputation as a master builder. The Scorpion's success didn’t stop there. At the prestigious Detroit Auto Rama in 1972, Jerry took home the Ridler Award, one of the highest honors in the custom car world, recognizing his creativity and vision. The Scorpion had become more than just a car—it was a statement.

Jerry Pennington's Scorpion, powered by a stock 350 Chevy engine, was modified to reverse its rotation direction, coupled with four Holley 4-barrel carburetors and four turbochargers, and paired with a custom-built transaxle, all installed in the rear. (Picture from: CorvetteBlogger)

But Jerry didn’t stop with the Scorpion. In 1973, he unveiled yet another masterpiece, the Devilfish, which also won the Ridler Award, making him the first person ever to win this prestigious accolade two years in a row. His ability to consistently produce winning designs and innovative vehicles made him a force to be reckoned with in the custom car industry. He even went on to build the “Atlanta Phoenix,” a car that would win the International Championship for both 1973 and 1974, proving that Jerry’s creative genius was unmatched.

The 1973 Ridler award winning "Devilfish." (Picture from: PenningtonCollision)

Jerry’s streak of success continued throughout the decade, earning him the title of "Builder of the Decade" by the International Champion Auto Show (ICAS) for the 1970 to 1980 period. His influence on custom car design was undeniable, and his creations became icons in the automotive world. In addition to his work on show cars, Jerry was also involved in other projects, including building a custom Corvette for the television show “The Magician.”

The custom Corvette built in 1973 for the television show 'The Magician.' (Picture from: PenningtonCollision)

In 1982, Jerry’s son, Ed Pennington, stepped in to manage the family business, continuing the tradition of excellence that Jerry had built. When Jerry passed away in 1990, Ed took on the responsibility of keeping Pennington Collision running, preserving his father’s legacy. The Pennington family remains dedicated to the craft, ensuring that Jerry’s vision and passion live on through their work. | NrM83sjM2UA |

The story of Jerry Pennington is not just about cars—it’s about dedication, creativity, and a lifelong commitment to innovation. His legacy continues to inspire custom car builders today, proving that with hard work and imagination, the boundaries of design can always be pushed further. The mark he left on the world of custom Corvettes will never fade, much like the vibrant red paint of the Scorpion that once dazzled show car audiences everywhere. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | PENNINGTON COLLISION | MOTORTREND | STORY-CARS | AUTORAMA | CORVETTEBLOGGER | WEIRDWHEELS ]

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