Corvette Model Gallery
1957 Corvette SS
Zora was convinced that racing was the key to mature the Corvette into a fine sports car, and convinced GM management that winning races would help sell more cars. In July 1956 he was given the go ahead to prepare a race car for the March 1957 Sebring endurance race. What he and his team came up with, was the experimental XP-64, better known as the Corvette SS. It had a sophisticated tubular space frame, lightweight magnesium body, some magnesium chassis components, Aluminum radiator, gearbox and cylinder heads and a race prepared 283 fuel injected engine, that was reported to produce 307 HP. The rear suspension was independent de Dion type and coilover shocks all around. The car was smaller than the regular production Corvette, having a 92 in. wheelbase, as opposed to the 102 in the regular car, and the overall length was only 168.6 in. A removable bubble top was designed for long races, and stood 48.7 inches tall with it and only 36 without. The famous driver Juan Manuel Fangio was supposed to race it, but he was released because the car would not be ready on time. However, he took the car for a test and unofficially broke the Sebring track record. The car was rushed to the race, without much time for refinements, and it retired early in the race, after completing only about 23 laps. Further development was canceled, due to the 1957 ban on factory involvement in racing. Imagine what could have been if it were further developed. Sebring, LeMans etc. In December 1958, the car was clocked at 183 MPH at a GM's proving ground in Phoenix. Since May 29th, 1967, the car resides in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum.
The model:
Bill Stowe built this Aardvark models Corvette SS. He
actually saw it in its only race, as he was a spectator in the 1957 Sebring 12
Hours race.
Aardvark resin Corvette SS. The kit dates to the early '90s. It set a new
standard in resin kits. Even by today's standards, it is a superb model.
If you would like to contact Bill on this model his e-mail address is: bill.stowe@comcast.net
Page updated 09/07/07