One of the most iconic Corvettes to ever hit the track is gearing up for a new chapter—the 1957 Corvette SS Project XP-64, a groundbreaking creation led by Zora Arkus-Duntov, will soon headline RM Sotheby’s Miami auction in late February with an estimated value of up to $7,000,000.
The 1957 Chevrolet Corvette SS, codenamed Project XP-64, represents one of General Motors’ most innovative and ambitious projects. It was a groundbreaking venture led by Zora Arkus-Duntov, often called the “Father of the Corvette,” and backed by Harley Earl, GM’s visionary designer. This lightweight, high-performance racecar was the first purpose-built GM racing machine.
Recognizing the potential of the Corvette on the track, Arkus-Duntov joined Chevrolet and set out to transform the Corvette into a competitive racecar. With Earl’s support, the Corvette SS project was greenlit in 1956. The team was tasked with creating a car that could challenge European dominance in motorsports, particularly at Le Mans.
Its tubular frame, inspired by the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, weighed just 180 pounds. The magnesium body, crafted by GM Styling, was innovative and problematic—it conducted heat directly into the cockpit, a critical issue during races. Under the hood, the SS featured a 283-cubic-inch V8 engine equipped with Ramjet fuel injection, delivering over 300 horsepower. This engine utilized experimental aluminium and magnesium components to reduce weight. The drivetrain included a four-speed manual gearbox and a quick-change rear differential.
Advanced suspension and braking systems set the SS apart. The car used independent front suspension and a de Dion rear setup for superior handling. A unique vacuum-assisted drum brake system provided stopping power, though it proved temperamental during competition.
The Corvette SS debuted at the 1957 Sebring 12 Hours. Drivers John Fitch and Piero Taruffi piloted the car but faced numerous issues, including overheating brakes, suspension problems, and excessive cockpit temperatures. Despite retiring after 23 laps, the SS demonstrated remarkable speed, outpacing many European rivals on the straights.
The Corvette SS eventually found a home at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum in 1967, where it remains a celebrated piece of racing history. Over the decades, it has been meticulously restored and displayed at prestigious events, including Bloomington Gold and the National Corvette Museum’s grand opening.
1957 Chevrolet Corvette SS Project XP-64 Image Gallery
Source: RM Sotheby’s
