Chevrolet Corvette SS, 1957
XP-64
Chevrolet Corvette SS, 1957
Led by the gifted Zora Arkus-Duntov, a team of engineers created this
ultra-lightweight racecar: 1850 lbs, approx. 950 lbs. less than the 1957
production Corvette. The car had a 283ci iron block with aluminum
cilinder heads and Ramjet fuel injection that produced 307 bhp.
Chevrolet Corvette SS, 1957
Duntov convinced Harley Earl that a race car based on the stock Corvette
did not stand a chance against the Ferraris and Maseratis at Sebring.
GM would have to develop a purpose built racer. On July of 1956, work
begins on Project XP-64, a sports/racer built for the upcoming race in
Sebring. The car is named the Corvette SS (Super Spyder), or Sebring SS.
A clay model of Zora’s design is made, and shown to management.
Zora Arkus Duntov Driving
The SS was developed in only six months. In 1958, after it’s racing
career ended, the car was clocked at over 183 mph! Success at Sebring
for this stunning racer was unfortunately not in the cards. Although the
SS was extremely fast for its day, a series of mechanical problems
forced it to retire after 23 laps in the 1957 Sebring 12-Hour race.
Shortly thereafter, the ban on factory-sponsored racing efforts by the
Detroit manufacturers spelled the end of the SS project.
Chevrolet Corvette SS, 1957
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