1957 Chevrolet Corvette SS Project XP-64
The Corvette SS (internally designated Project XP-64) was a purpose-built Chevrolet racing prototype developed in 1956–1957 under the direction of Zora Arkus-Duntov, with backing from GM design chief Harley Earl and Chevrolet General Manager Ed Cole. Constructed in a skunkworks environment at the Chevrolet Engineering Center, the car featured a chrome-molybdenum tubular truss frame, de Dion rear suspension, inboard rear brakes, and a magnesium body — representing an ambitious attempt to field a factory-supported all-American contender against Ferrari, Jaguar, Maserati, and Aston Martin on the world racing stage.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$7,705,000
Competition
- 19521952 Le Mans 24 HoursDriver: Zora Arkus-DuntovDNF — mechanical failure
Arkus-Duntov co-drove a Chrysler-powered Allard J2X with Frank Curtis; the car did not finish due to a mechanical problem.
- 19531953 Le Mans 24 HoursDriver: Zora Arkus-DuntovDNF — mechanical failure
Arkus-Duntov shared a Cadillac-powered Allard J2R with Ray Merrick; again retired due to mechanical issues.
- 19541954 Le Mans 24 HoursDriver: Zora Arkus-Duntov1st in class, 14th overall
Arkus-Duntov co-drove a Porsche 550/4 RS Spyder with Gonzague Olivier, earning a class victory.
- 19551955 Le Mans 24 HoursDriver: Zora Arkus-Duntov1st in class, 13th overall
Arkus-Duntov's final Le Mans appearance, sharing a Porsche 550 RS Spyder with Auguste Veuillet for Porsche's team.
- 1956NASCAR-sanctioned1956 Daytona Beach Flying MileDriver: Zora Arkus-Duntov150.583 mph recorded
Arkus-Duntov piloted a 1956 Corvette fitted with a Duntov-cam V-8, generating favorable publicity for the model.
- 19561956 12 Hours of SebringDriver: John Fitch9th overall, 1st in class
Five Corvettes were entered; the leading Corvette Special, co-driven by Fitch and Walt Hansgen, started from pole and claimed a class victory despite Ferrari dominating the overall result.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1955ModificationGeneral Motors
A 1954 Corvette test mule was fitted with a new 307-cubic-inch V-8 (an enlarged 283) for high-speed proving-ground evaluation.
Arkus-Duntov drove the test mule to over 156 mph at GM's Mesa proving ground on this date.
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