Historic First V-8 Corvette Prototype Hits the Auction Block
Read the full story on Modern Car Collector
A foundational piece of American automotive history is now up for grabs. Chassis EX87, the first Chevrolet Corvette ever fitted with a V-8 engine, has been listed on Bring a Trailer in a rare public offering that traces back to the model's turning point in the mid-1950s.
When the Corvette debuted in 1953, it may have looked the part of a sleek sports car, but its performance was underwhelming. Powered by a modest inline-six engine, early models struggled to live up to their visual promise. That changed when Corvette visionary Zora Arkus-Duntov and fellow GM engineer—and three-time Indy 500 winner—Mauri Rose began experimenting with V-8 conversions.
Their testbed? A 1954 Corvette that became known internally as chassis EX87. Equipped with a 307-cubic-inch V-8, the car was pushed to a staggering 163 mph at GM's Arizona Desert Proving Grounds, proving once and for all that the Corvette could deliver serious speed. The results convinced GM leadership to begin factory V-8 production by late 1955—a move that transformed the Corvette's destiny.
Although its original engine and bodywork have long since been replaced, EX87 still retains immense historical significance. Over the years, it was updated to 1955 specifications, fitted with a body from another test car, and later received a 265-cubic-inch V-8 and a two-speed automatic transmission. The car served as a demonstrator vehicle before eventually being sold to a GM engineer and, in 1968, to its current long-term family owner.
Today, EX87 features a 327-cubic-inch V-8 and wears a red paint finish. While not in factory-original condition, its legacy as the Corvette's V-8 pioneer remains firmly intact.
With bidding currently exceeding $50,000 ahead of its May 19 closing, EX87 offers enthusiasts a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a genuine piece of Corvette—and American performance—history.
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