Latest news with #ZoraArkus-Duntov
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
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. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
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. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
Auto Blog
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Duntov's C1 Corvette that Brought a V8 to the Model is Up for Auction
The legendary test mule that paved the way for the V8 Corvette is up for auction on Bring a Trailer. Automotive test mules are not a new concept. Often used by automakers to test some new technology or powertrain, these test cars are either destroyed or kept in a private collection after their work is done. Seldom do they make their way into the hands of the general public, but when they do, you can bet they make headlines. Such is the case with the EX87 Chevrolet Corvette C1 Test Car on Bring a Trailer. 0:08 / 0:09 Nissan's revolutionary self-driving tech hits Japan's streets Watch More 1955 Chevrolet Corvette EX87 — Source: Fantasy Junction/Bring a Trailer A story of technical innovation The story of the chassis EX87 Corvette test car is long and convoluted, so let me try to break it down. When it was first released, the Chevrolet Corvette C1 was not as big a sales hit as Chevrolet wanted it to be. In an effort to boost those sales, legendary engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov proposed that the automaker build a Corvette that could break the 150 mph speed record then held by the Chrysler 300. With the help of Chevrolet engineer and former Indianapolis 500 race winner, Mauri Rose, they took an unsold 1954 Chevrolet Corvette and began modifying it for the high-speed run. The pair bored and stroked a 307ci V8, paired it with a special high-lift camshaft, now known as the 'Duntov Cam,' and installed it into the test Corvette, marking the first instance of a V8-powered Corvette before the introduction of the 265 cu in (4.3 L) small-block in 1955. Body modifications included a low-cut windscreen, a passenger-side tonneau cover, a head fairing, a unique belly pan, and a three-speed manual transmission. Chassis #EX87 and Body #5951 became the Corvette EX87/5951, and was driven by Smokey Yunick to 163 mph at the GM Arizona Proving Grounds. GM planned to build a 1956 Corvette for official high-speed runs at Daytona Beach, so the car was separated into the chassis, EX87, and the body, 5951. 1955 Chevrolet Corvette EX87 — Source: Fantasy Junction/Bring a Trailer Where are they now? The modified 5951 body now sits on a normal 1955 Corvette frame in the Lingenfelter Collection and was reunited with the speed record Yunick engine back in 2003 after 50 years apart. The EX87 chassis had a 1955 Corvette body from car #6903 mounted on it, along with a 265ci V8 engine and a two-speed automatic transmission. It spent the next few years as a 1956 demo car before it was later sold to a GM engineer. The current owner's husband purchased it from that engineer in 1968 and went on to enjoy it as a regular show Corvette before several judges and aficionados at those shows tipped him off to the car's history, and its whereabouts were thus documented. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. After the 265ci engine failed, it was replaced by a 327ci V8, and the car was repainted red with a beige convertible top in the 1970s. The odometer currently shows 21,000 miles, although its true mileage is unknown. 1955 Chevrolet Corvette EX87 — Source: Fantasy Junction/Bring a Trailer Final thoughts Any test mule has an incredible story within its sheet metal, but one for a car as important as the Corvette has a special allure that few can replicate. This chassis gave birth to the V8-powered Corvette we know and love to this day. To call it an automotive icon is still an understatement. After 57 years of ownership, chassis EX87 is now up for grabs with no reserve. Upon purchase, the new owner will receive historic correspondence from GM, literature, service records, spare parts, and a clean California title that lists the car as a 1955 Chevrolet. At the time of writing, the auction ends in just under eight days, with a current bid of $52,500. To put a price on something with this much historical importance is a nearly impossible task, but by the end of this auction, we'll at least have an idea of its worth to someone.
Miami Herald
11-05-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Duntov's C1 Corvette that Brought a V8 to the Model is Up for Auction
Automotive test mules are not a new concept. Often used by automakers to test some new technology or powertrain, these test cars are either destroyed or kept in a private collection after their work is done. Seldom do they make their way into the hands of the general public, but when they do, you can bet they make headlines. Such is the case with the EX87 Chevrolet Corvette C1 Test Car on Bring a Trailer. The story of the chassis EX87 Corvette test car is long and convoluted, so let me try to break it down. When it was first released, the Chevrolet Corvette C1 was not as big a sales hit as Chevrolet wanted it to be. In an effort to boost those sales, legendary engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov proposed that the automaker build a Corvette that could break the 150 mph speed record then held by the Chrysler 300. With the help of Chevrolet engineer and former Indianapolis 500 race winner, Mauri Rose, they took an unsold 1954 Chevrolet Corvette and began modifying it for the high-speed run. The pair bored and stroked a 307ci V8, paired it with a special high-lift camshaft, now known as the "Duntov Cam," and installed it into the test Corvette, marking the first instance of a V8-powered Corvette before the introduction of the 265 cu in (4.3 L) small-block in 1955. Body modifications included a low-cut windscreen, a passenger-side tonneau cover, a head fairing, a unique belly pan, and a three-speed manual transmission. Chassis #EX87 and Body #5951 became the Corvette EX87/5951, and was driven by Smokey Yunick to 163 mph at the GM Arizona Proving Grounds. GM planned to build a 1956 Corvette for official high-speed runs at Daytona Beach, so the car was separated into the chassis, EX87, and the body, 5951. The modified 5951 body now sits on a normal 1955 Corvette frame in the Lingenfelter Collection and was reunited with the speed record Yunick engine back in 2003 after 50 years apart. The EX87 chassis had a 1955 Corvette body from car #6903 mounted on it, along with a 265ci V8 engine and a two-speed automatic transmission. It spent the next few years as a 1956 demo car before it was later sold to a GM engineer. The current owner's husband purchased it from that engineer in 1968 and went on to enjoy it as a regular show Corvette before several judges and aficionados at those shows tipped him off to the car's history, and its whereabouts were thus documented. After the 265ci engine failed, it was replaced by a 327ci V8, and the car was repainted red with a beige convertible top in the 1970s. The odometer currently shows 21,000 miles, although its true mileage is unknown. Any test mule has an incredible story within its sheet metal, but one for a car as important as the Corvette has a special allure that few can replicate. This chassis gave birth to the V8-powered Corvette we know and love to this day. To call it an automotive icon is still an understatement. After 57 years of ownership, chassis EX87 is now up for grabs with no reserve. Upon purchase, the new owner will receive historic correspondence from GM, literature, service records, spare parts, and a clean California title that lists the car as a 1955 Chevrolet. At the time of writing, the auction ends in just under eight days, with a current bid of $52,500. To put a price on something with this much historical importance is a nearly impossible task, but by the end of this auction, we'll at least have an idea of its worth to someone. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Chevy Giving England Input Into The Next-Gen Corvette Is Proof America Is In The Toilet
General Motors held the official opening of its new advanced design studio in England this week, and announced that it will be revealing a series of Corvette concept cars from each of its global design studios throughout the year, with the first coming from the new UK branch. The announcement sparks questions for the quintessential American sports car, questions like, "what, is America not good enough for you?" Save your metaphorical torches and pitchforks for the next Tesla Takedown — this isn't actually the next-gen C9 Corvette, just another example of GM using the Corvette's daring spirit as the foundation for a dramatic design exercise, which it describes as "rethinking what a Corvette could be with a true blank-page approach." Jokes aside, it's no secret that the U.S. is currently in a precarious position thanks to our Commander in Chief, but international influence is actually a big part of the Corvette's history. The man who secured the future for the Corvette to be an international beacon of hardcore American motorsports, Zora Arkus-Duntov, was an immigrant, after all. But letting an English design office dictate the future of the blueblooded good ol' boy Corvette? That feels a bit sacrilegious. You can let out a sigh of relief though, since GM says there's no production intention behind the concept, and the next two Corvette studies will be done by American design studios. Read more: 2025 Cadillac Optiq May Finally Be The Car To Attract Young Buyers The English electric Corvette concept looks like it would support the serious performance of the Corvettes we know and love, from its sleek shape to its aero-intensive body and its giant 22-inch front and 23-inch rear wheels. It even integrates a Formula 1–style halo roof structure with a spine that bisects the windshield, giving a subtle nod to the split rear window on the classic Corvette Sting Ray. GM says the exterior design showcases a distinct division between the upper and lower halves of the vehicle, with the upper half focusing on Corvette's classic design elements. The lower half, in contrast, focuses on integration of the EV battery. Trick aerodynamic features increase EV range and efficiency in some settings and increase downforce in others, including a sculpted underbody with fan assistance to suck the car to the road vis-à-vis one McMurtry Spéirling, and active ducting to redirect air over and through the vehicle. Don't be spooked when you see more internationally designed Corvette concepts come out later this year. The next two will come from GM's Detroit and Los Angeles design studios, while the UK studio will also produce a new GMC concept vehicle that will also be unveiled later this year. Though GM says these Corvette concepts have no production intent, the brand has previously said it's working on an all-electric Corvette (and the lineup might expand to additional models), so some design elements could make their way to the eventual C9. Want more like this? Join the Jalopnik newsletter to get the latest auto news sent straight to your inbox... Read the original article on Jalopnik.
