After $7.7 Million Sale, This Is Now the Most Valuable Corvette Ever

Yahoo

03-03-2025

Rare versions of the Chevrolet Corvette have always stood among some of the most valuable American automobiles. Back in 2014, a rare L88 model from 1967 set the high-mark for the nameplate, with a $3.85 million hammer price at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale. That record has been broken after more than a decade, as the iconic 1957 Chevrolet Corvette SS just sold for $7,705,000 at this year's RM Sotheby's Miami event.
In the mid-1950s, the Corvette wasn't quite the performance machine we know today. Corvette chief engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov began his work on stuffing a V-8 into the roadster from 1954, using Chassis EX87/5951 for that development work. After that car showed real promise at Daytona Speedweeks 1955, setting a top speed of 150.583 mph, Duntov garnered some internal support for a dedicated racing version of the car. Chevrolet vice president Harley Earl allegedly purchased a Jaguar D-Type for Duntov's team of engineers to tinker with, ultimately suggesting they swap a small-block V-8 into that car; this suggestion pushed the team to create their own improved chassis.
General Motors would go on to green light a true motorsports effort just six months ahead of the 1957 race at Sebring. This is the machine that Duntov's crew put on the start line.
The Corvette SS was clearly inspired by the European racers of its day, but the styling is still unmistakably American. The chassis is a tube-frame unit, inspired by the mighty Mercedes-Benz 300SL. An independent front suspension worked in tandem with a de Dion rear, the same setup that provided the Jaguar D-Type with its high-speed handling and stability. Finned drum brakes were an improvement over the standard units, but ultimately couldn't match the effectiveness of Jag's discs. The body was crafted from magnesium, which while lighter than fiberglass, created a bit of an oven effect for drivers. Supplying the heat was a 283-cubic inch small-block with one of Duntov's hot cams and Rochester Ramjet fuel injection. A close-ratio four-speed sent power to the rear axle.
Only two examples of the Corvette SS were ever produced: one test mule and one racer slated for the Sebring event. This particular car is the racing machine, which was helmed by John Fitch and Piero Taruffi. The pair met an unfortunate result when the car was forced to retire after just 23 laps, owing to a failed bushing in the rear end. The weekend wasn't a total failure for Chevrolet, however; the legendary Juan Manuel Fangio had taken a quick spin in the Corvette SS during the festivities, posting a new lap record in the process.
The car had potential, but it was never to be met. June 1957 saw the introduction of the Automobile Manufacturers Association racing ban, and the end of Duntov's official backing from GM. The world wouldn't see another officially sanctioned Corvette racer until the C5.R program.
It's hard to imagine that another Corvette could surpass the value of the SS. The importance of the car to the future of the brand is undeniable, and its status as a one-off racer certainly doesn't hurt. Add in seat time from Duntov, Fangio, and even Stirling Moss, and there's a bit of something for every motorsports fan. Here's hoping that the car's new owner will find ways to share the car with the public.
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