1957 Corvette SS Project XP-64 Heads to Auction
Car enthusiasts and collectors, brace yourselves—one of the most iconic pieces of American automotive history is about to change hands. The 1957 Chevrolet Corvette SS Project XP-64, a one-of-a-kind race car, is set to headline RM Sotheby’s ModaMiami auction on March 1 and 2 at the Biltmore Hotel in Miami. This historic vehicle, expected to fetch between $5 million and $7 million, represents a monumental chapter in Corvette and General Motors racing heritage.
The SS Project XP-64 was the brainchild of Zora Arkus-Duntov, often revered as the “father of the Corvette.” As an experienced racer and visionary engineer, Arkus-Duntov led a dedicated team within General Motors to develop the first purpose-built Corvette race car. They stripped away conventional thinking, designing a tubular chassis and outfitting it with a sleek magnesium body. This lightweight design weighed just 1,850 pounds—nearly 1,000 pounds lighter than the production model. The car’s aerodynamic metallic blue and white paintwork, along with its signature no. 1 racing gumball, made it a visual standout.
Under the hood, the SS Project XP-64 boasted a 283-cubic-inch V-8 engine. Equipped with a high-performance camshaft, aluminum cylinder heads, and Ramjet fuel injection, the powerplant produced a robust 300 horsepower. Paired with a four-speed manual transmission, the car was engineered for speed and agility. These enhancements positioned the XP-64 as a serious contender in the world of racing.
The Corvette’s racing debut came at the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1957. Although mechanical issues forced the vehicle to retire early, its performance solidified its place in racing lore. Unfortunately, General Motors soon withdrew from factory-backed racing, leaving the XP-64 a singular masterpiece. In 1967, Arkus-Duntov donated the car to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, where it has been preserved for decades.
As it heads to auction, this Corvette for sale offers collectors a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a pioneering piece of American motorsport history. Whether for its groundbreaking engineering, stunning design, or storied past, this extraordinary vehicle is poised to ignite fierce bidding among Corvette enthusiasts and racing aficionados alike.
