One of the most iconic pieces of Chevrolet's racing history, the 1957 Corvette SS Project XP-64, is set to go under the hammer.
Built under the visionary leadership of Zora Arkus-Duntov, this experimental race car represents Chevrolet's boldest foray into motorsport dominance during the mid-20th century.
RM Sotheby’s will present this legendary vehicle at auction in late February, with its value estimated between US$5 million and $7 million (around NZ$8.8 million to $12.4 million).
Known as the 'Father of the Corvette', Zora Arkus-Duntov was determined to position Chevrolet as a formidable force on the racetrack.
After briefly considering integrating a Chevy engine into a Jaguar E-Type, Arkus-Duntov instead pursued an ambitious plan: a purpose-built race car designed entirely in-house. Development took place in secrecy at the Chevrolet Engineering Center, resulting in the creation of the Corvette SS XP-64.
The XP-64 featured a lightweight chrome-molybdenum tubular frame and a magnesium body designed for maximum aerodynamic efficiency.
Under the bonnet sat a mighty V8 engine equipped with aluminium cylinder heads, fuel injection and a high-performance camshaft, delivering around 224kW. A four-speed manual transmission channelled power to the wheels, while the car’s dry weight stood at a mere 839kg - almost 450kg lighter than a standard production Corvette.
The Corvette SS made its debut at the 1957 12 Hours of Sebring. While its blistering pace impressed onlookers, mechanical reliability issues and extreme cockpit heat caused by the magnesium body forced an early retirement.
Plans were in place to refine the XP-64 for the 24 Hours of Le Mans later that year, but Chevrolet's factory racing programme was abruptly halted following an Automobile Manufacturers Association agreement.
Despite its brief competitive history, the Corvette SS XP-64 secured a place in automotive lore. In 1967, Arkus-Duntov himself donated the car to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, where it became a star exhibit.
Over the years, it has participated in numerous historic racing events across the United States, maintaining its iconic presence and pristine condition.
As RM Sotheby’s prepares to auction this one-of-a-kind machine, collectors and enthusiasts have a unique opportunity to acquire a defining piece of Chevrolet history. The XP-64 has become a symbol of innovation, ambition and the golden age of motorsport engineering.
