Legendary 1957 Chevrolet Corvette SS Project XP-64 Heads to Auction

One of the most iconic Corvettes ever created, the 1957 Corvette SS Project XP-64, is set to cross the auction block in late February. This legendary race car, conceived by the visionary Zora Arkus-Duntov, is expected to fetch between $5 million and $7 million.

Born from Arkus-Duntov’s ambition to build a world-class race car, the XP-64 was a radical departure from conventional Chevrolet designs. Rejecting the idea of simply adapting existing components, Arkus-Duntov spearheaded the development of a purpose-built machine within the Chevrolet Engineering Center.

The result was a masterpiece of engineering and design. A lightweight tubular frame formed the foundation, upon which a sleek magnesium body was meticulously crafted. Under the hood resided a potent 283 cubic-inch V8 engine, enhanced with fuel injection, aluminum cylinder heads, and a high-performance camshaft, delivering approximately 300 horsepower. This potent engine was mated to a four-speed manual transmission.

Weighing in at a mere 1,850 pounds, the XP-64 offered exceptional power-to-weight ratio. After five months of intensive development, the car made its racing debut at the 1957 Sebring 12 Hours. While demonstrating impressive speed, the XP-64 encountered reliability issues and extreme cockpit temperatures due to the magnesium body.

Despite its brief racing career, the XP-64 has remained a revered icon. Donated to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum in 1967, it has been a celebrated exhibit for decades. Now, this piece of automotive history is poised to find a new home through RM Sotheby’s auction house.

Source: RM Sotheby’s