Prototype 1957 Chevy Corvette SS Race Car Heads to Auction for $7 Million

A legendary piece of American sports car history is set to dazzle collectors at RM Sotheby’s upcoming auction in Miami. The 1957 Chevrolet Corvette SS Project XP-64, a groundbreaking one-off race car, is expected to fetch between $5 million and $7 million at the ModaMiami sale on March 1 and 2.

This extraordinary vehicle, known for being the first purpose-built race car by General Motors, is the brainchild of Zora Arkus-Duntov, affectionately called the “father of the Corvette.” Drawing from his extensive experience as a four-time 24 Hours of Le Mans competitor, Arkus-Duntov and his team redefined the Corvette’s first-generation design. The result was a car built for speed and performance, featuring a lightweight tubular chassis and a magnesium body optimized for aerodynamics.

The Corvette SS Project XP-64’s sleek, elongated frame was finished in metallic blue and white, complete with a striking “no. 1” racing gumball on its hood and fenders. Beneath its streamlined exterior lies a powerhouse: a 283-cubic-inch V-8 engine with a high-performance camshaft, aluminum cylinder heads, and Ramjet fuel injection. With 300 horsepower packed into a car weighing just 1,850 pounds, this Corvette was built to dominate the racetrack.

In 1957, the SS Project XP-64 competed at the prestigious 12 Hours of Sebring. Although it retired early due to mechanical issues, the car demonstrated its racing potential. However, GM’s subsequent withdrawal from factory-supported racing left the vehicle as a unique, singular creation. A decade later, it was donated to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, where it has remained ever since.

Now, this remarkable machine is poised to become the centerpiece of a discerning collector’s garage. With its unmatched pedigree and historical significance, the SS Project XP-64 represents the pinnacle of Corvette innovation and an unmissable opportunity for automotive enthusiasts worldwide.