I just got done reading a 57 issue of Road and Track. There was a brief mention and a picture of a 57 Super Sport Corvette. The Vette had a interesting dual cowl look with two small rounded wind screens. Has anyone heard of this car? The front license plate read "Super Sport". I wonder if this show car still exists? Eric #3,182
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Re: 57 Corvette Super Sport
The Corvette SS is a well known Duntov project. Both a "mule" and one race car were built, which was entered at Sebring in '57, but did not finish. The car is a custom built tube frame chassis with a de Dion rear suspension. The body styling followed the theme of the then current Corvette. Shortly after the race, GM management clamped down on racing and the SS was placed in storage. About 1959 Bill Mitchell, VP Design, bought the bare mule chassis from GM for one dollar. Under Mitchell's supervision, Larry Shinoda designed a body which was essentially a prototype for the upcoming new Corvette. Driven by Dr. Dick Thompson, "The Flying Dentist", Mitchell's "Stingray" racer won the 1960 SCCA C-modified national championship. I believe both the SS and Stingray are now owned by GM, and I recall seeing the Stingray at the SEMA show a couple of years ago. Karl Ludvisgen's book devotes a chapter to each car, and is a good source for the historical details of both programs.
Duke
Duke -
Re: 57 Corvette Super Sport
The 1957 Corvette SS is either owned by, or on permanent loan to, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (of Indy 500 fame). The car is usually on display in their museum, but it does occasionally get loaned out to other museums. It was at the National Corvette Museum for the grand opening in September, 1994. It is a beautiful car.Comment
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Re: 57 Corvette Super Sport
Edward, that is correct. I've seen that car on display at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It is beautiful. TBarr #24014Comment
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Re: 57 Corvette Super Sport
Thanks for the response. I will definately do some reaserch on some of the info given. Eric #3,182Comment
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Re: 57 Corvette Super Sport
Eric:
The car that you are referring to was created from a 1956 and first appeared as a display car at the SCCA convention in Detroit in 1957. It was NOT the Corvette SS built from scratch that raced at Sebring. There is some question as to whether the car EVER received a fuel injection unit or a 4 speed in spite of the claims.
Please see the April 1957 issue of Road & Track for further details.
The car is alive and considerably better off than it was 4-5 years ago - you'll hear from it soon.Comment
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Re: 57 Corvette Super Sport
Loren, Thanks for the onfo. It was great to see you at the Barrett Jackson Auction today. I have the April issue and the car looks great. Will the car be shown somewhere? EricComment
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