GM bought back the vintage car that insipired the Corvette for $1.3M
The CERV I was an open-wheeled race car used to develop the Corvette
The CERV I was an open-wheeled race car used to develop the Corvette
Barrett-Jackson's Scottsdale auction took place this past weekend, and one of the most notable vehicles there was the first Chevrolet Engineering Research Vehicle. , this open-wheeled experimental vehicle sold for a whopping $1.2 million. The seller's commission pushed the total to $1.32 million. And , the buyer was none other than General Motors.
CERV I is known mainly for its role in developing the C2 Corvette's independent rear suspension. And while it was originally fitted with a 283-ci V8, later upgraded it to a 377. With some aero upgrades added, as well, Arkus-Duntov was able to hit 206 mph at GM's Milford proving grounds.
Sadly, despite its race-car-like appearance, CERV I was never driven in a competition. Because GM wasn't involved in racing at the time, it only ever hit the track for development purposes. Well, that and a few demonstration laps at the 1960 U.S. Grand Prix.
Still, it's an incredibly important part of GM's history, and it's fitting that it would eventually return to the automaker's private collection.