A mind-blowingly rare and ultra desirable vintage ‘Vette racing prototype is being put up for grabs at auction.
The 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport was conceived to defend GM’s sporting reputation on the racetracks in the face of the Ford’s hugely successful Shelby Cobra. The brainchild of the ‘father of the Corvette’, Zora Arkus-Duntov, the Grand Sport was designed to compete in FIA endurance races and ultimately win at Le Mans – but the cars never got their chance to shine on the global stage because GM axed its official motorsport activities in 1964.
Of the 125 Grand Sport Corvettes planned, just five prototypes were built – with just two in roadster guise. Chassis number 02 is one of the roadsters, and will be offered for sale by RM Auctions in the US in January. Formerly owned by Roger Penske and raced by George Wintersteen in the US, the car still has its unrestored racing body and is expected to attract megabuck bids from wealthy collectors.
In other auction news, US actor Bruce Willis is unloading his collection of classic American muscle cars, including 1957 and ’67 Corvette roadsters, a ’69 Dodge Charger and a 1968 Shelby GT500 convertible. This side of the pond, a Bentley Arnage T formerly owned by David Beckham is being offered on Auto Trader. Asking price is £99,000 with 25k on the clock, and thanks to its uniquely embroidered centre console is the perfect choice for anyone with a ‘Victoria’ in the family.