1963 Corvette Grand Sport - Five Produced

As of 2024, the Chevrolet Corvette has been in production for 70 years, making it America's third longest-running nameplate. During this time, Chevrolet built quite a few rare gems. The 1969 Corvette ZL1 tops the list with just two units built, while the 1986 C4 in Copper Metallic comes second with only four made. The 1963 Grand Sport rounds off the top three list. Chevy put together only five, and they're among the most desirable and expensive Vettes.

The Grand Sport was born just as the second-generation Corvette was making its public debut. Developed by Zora Arkus-Duntov, it was essentially a lightweight, race-ready Corvette aimed at the successful Shelby Cobra. It was also a secret program because GM had issued a ban on factory-backed racing.

Duntov wanted to build 125 Grand Sports, which would have allowed Chevrolet to homologate the car for international racing. However, Duntov's plans were cut short when GM executives learned about the secret program and shelved it. Fortunately, Duntvo's team had put together five vehicles when that happened. And GM was unable to stop the Grand Sports from going racing.

The Grand Sport hit American race tracks as early as April 1963 and scored its first SCCA win four months later with Dick Thompson behind the wheel. The cars were raced with several engines through 1968, scoring seven wins and 18 podium finishes. In addition to the SCCA circuit, the Grand Sport also made appearances at the 12 Hours of Sebring and the 24 Hours of Daytona. It was raced by famed drivers like Roger Penske, Jim Hall, Dick Guldstrand, and A.J. Foyt.

And amazingly enough, for a vehicle that tackled race tracks for years, the Grand Sport survived to tell its story. Moreover, all five cars are still alive and kicking as of 2024. And they're reportedly worth $5 to $8 million a pop.

With the Grand Sport so rare and expensive, there are quite a few replicas out there. And while some aren't exactly impressive, others look like they actually rolled out of Chevrolet's shop under Zora Duntov's guidance. The black-striped red example you see here is one of those rigs.

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Source: Ciprian Florea - AutoEvolution

Posted 5/17/24