The record for the most expensive Corvette ever sold at auction, set just over a decade ago at Barrett-Jackson by this iconic 1967 L88 Coupe, was just toppled by GM’s first purpose-built racing machine–the 1957 Corvette SS Project XP-64. The bright lights at RM Sotheby’s late February 2025 extravaganza shone brightly on this remarkable piece of Corvette history, and the bidders responded. When the dust settled, the world was left with a new record, an astounding $7,705,000 for the machine that Harley Earl and Zora Arkus-Duntov helped usher into our Corvette universe. [Author’s Note: This article is FREE and not behind a paywall. If/when any pop-ups occur, please click to make them disappear and continue enjoying the article. One requires two steps–first, the arrow on the left, then the x on the top right.]
This 1957 Corvette SS didn’t break a sweat knocking the $3.85M 1967 L88 off the top slot, leaving these remaining examples to round out the top 5 most expensive Corvettes sold at auction: (3) 2025 ZR1 VIN 001 at $3.7M, (4) 2023 Z06 VIN 001 at $3.6M, and (5) 1967 L88 at $3.4M. Now, let’s dive into the new record holder!
What’s Inside This CorvSport Special Feature:
- 1957 Corvette SS Project XP-64 Highlights
- A Deeper Dive: Mark Leofe Capayas’s feature
- More from the CorvSport archives
- Corvette SS RM Sotheby’s photo gallery
- Historic Corvette SS photos from the GM archives
- Watch the record-setting Corvette SS cross the block!
1) 1957 Corvette SS Project XP-64 RM Sotheby’s Highlights:
- Billed as the first purpose-built General Motors racecar and a personal project of Zora.
- Considered a milestone in the development of the Corvette into a true performance car.
- The only Chevrolet Corvette SS completed and campaigned by General Motors.
- Raced at the 1957 Sebring 12 Hours by renowned drivers John Fitch and Piero Taruffi.
- Powered by a Chevrolet 283-cu.-in. V-8 with Ramjet fuel injection, backed by a four-speed manual gearbox.
- A design exercise in lightweight construction and aerodynamics; the sole Corvette SS built with magnesium bodywork.
- A number of technological features were tested on this car, including an early fuel-injection system, many of which made their way into later production Corvettes.
- One of the first Corvettes to wear the hallowed “Super Sport” moniker, alongside the 1957 Corvette SS show car.
2) A Deeper Dive, Our Longer Features:
Here’s Your Chance To Own The Legendary 1957 Corvette SS Project XP-64
The first purpose-built GM racing machine
[Authored By CorvSport’s Mark Leofe Capayas]
“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.”
3) More On The 1957 Corvette SS From The CorvSport Archives:
4) 1957 Chevrolet Corvette SS Project XP-64 Photo Gallery
5) Historic Corvette SS photos from the GM archives
6) Watch The Record-Setting Auction!
The fun begins at 1:25.34, but we have cued up the video for you.
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