1956 SR-2 Factory Race Car
In 1955, after just two years in production, the Corvette faced potential retirement due to poor sales and lackluster performance. Critics cited its unimpressive 6-cylinder “Blue Flame” engine as a major drawback. However, the introduction of a 265 cubic-inch V8 offered hope for improvement. Future Chief Engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov recognized the need for the Corvette to prove itself on the racetrack.
With Ed Cole’s help, Duntov enhanced the C1 Corvette, achieving a breakthrough at Daytona Beach. A modified 240 HP Corvette, driven by Duntov, set speed records over 150 MPH. This success was repeated a few months later when Duntov-prepared Corvettes excelled at Daytona, taking first and second place in the Production Sports Car class and setting a top-speed record in the Modified class.
This momentum led to preparing three Corvettes for the 12 Hours of Sebring, where they performed admirably, with one finishing first in its class and ninth overall. These Corvettes earned the SR (Sebring Racer or Special Racing) moniker.
Amidst this success, a potential PR issue arose when Jerome Earl, son of Corvette visionary Harley Earl, planned to race a Ferrari. Harley Earl intervened, insisting Jerome race a specially built Corvette instead. A team of engineers quickly developed the SR-2 racer, incorporating heavy-duty suspension, performance brakes, and a modified 265 cubic-inch V8 engine.
Renowned racer Dick Thompson advised on improvements, leading to significant updates. The SR-2 received a lighter body, fiberglass interior, and a more powerful 331 cubic-inch V8 with dual-meter fuel injection. A distinctive high-mount fin with a built-in headrest and Corvette logo was added.
Despite these enhancements, the SR-2 achieved only moderate success in the 1957 racing season. The program ended due to GM’s compliance with the new AMA racing ban, resulting in only two more SR-2 cars being built.
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The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum is offering your chance to win a highly optioned 2024 Corvette Z06 Convertible plus $25K to pay the taxes! This Corvette has an MSRP of nearly $170K and it features the Riptide Blue Metallic with a 3LZ Black/Sky Cool Gray interior. Boxes checked on the order form include the Z07 Performance Package, visible Carbon Fiber aero and ground effects, Front Axle Lift, and Brembo’s carbon ceramic brakes, while the interior includes a sueded microfiber/Carbon Fiber steering wheel, the Stealth Interior Trim Package, and the Carbon Fiber Interior Trim Package.
This Week’s Owner’s Corner
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Gary K.
I grew up in the San Fernando Valley in the sixties. Cars were always big there and I fell in love early. The C2 Corvettes were always my favorites. When I was 19, I convinced my father to help me buy the car you see. I loved the slightly milder 427 400hp car as it had AC and that was a plus. I was so fanatical about the car that I would walk to school in the rain rather than drive the car. When the tripower kicked in the car just took off like a rocket. I had to sell the car a few years later when I went away to college. I never forgot it and always wanted another 67 427. Seven years ago, I bought a marina blue 435 horse car and still have it today.
Gary K.
This Week’s Specials
One of the rarest ’66 Corvettes ever built!
Ultra RARE J56
With only 29,033 Miles
Sunfire Yellow w/Black Interior, L72 427/425hp, 4-Speed
The car has been the recipient of some of the most prestigious awards in the hobby, including N.C.R.S. Top Flight, Bloomington Gold, and Bloomington Special Collection. And to make it even more special and rare, this ’66 still sports its C.C.A.S. Certified L72 427/425hp big block engine under the domed hood!
And this car is loaded with additional options, which include:
Power brakes
Ultra RARE J56
N14 side exhaust
F41 Heavy Duty suspension
4.11 Positraction rear end
Tinted glass
Headrest seats
Teakwood steering wheel
Telescoping steering column
Aluminum knock off wheels
Gold line bias ply tires
AM/FM radio
And to top it off, the car was featured on the cover and inside the book “Corvette An American Legend”.
1975 Convertible With 2,600 Miles
Amazing, all-original example!
Dark Red w/Silver interior, 350ci V8, 3-speed automatic.
The example presented here has traveled a mere 2,657 miles since it rolled out of the factory in St. Louis 49 years ago.
The car was purchased by the second owner back in ’90, when it had only 960 miles on the odometer. Since then, the car has passed through 5 owners. All of them recognizing the importance of keeping the miles super low, and the car as original as possible. And that’s what they’ve done.
In 2014. the car was put through N.C.R.S. Regionals in Tacoma, WA., where it received a Top Flight Award. It also qualified to be shown at the 2015 National meet in Denver that July, as an unrestored original car where it received the highest award possible a Four-Star Bow-Tie Award.
1967 N.O.S. Starburst Caps For
Bolt On Aluminum Wheels
Factory GM Caps In Excellent Condition
These are factory GM caps in excellent condition and will fit factory G.M. Bolt On wheels. The part # is clearly visible on each cap. Looking for a set of caps to finish off your N.C.R.S. quality restoration? Here they are!
N.O.S. Goodyear GT Radials dated from 1978-79
Never Mounted And In Brand New Condition
Set of 5 Goodyear GT Radial Tires. 255/60R-15
This is a set of “brand new” N.O.S. Goodyear GT Radials dated from 1978. These tires were the factory equipment for ’78 Indy Pace Cars. And were an option for the base cars.
They have never been mounted on a wheel and have never been on the ground. They are essentially new, and the stickers and dye marks are still on the tread.
If you have a ’78 Corvette that you are looking to take through N.C.R.S. or Bloomington judging, these tires would be exactly what you need for those much-needed extra points! Or maybe you are a purest who wants correct, factory tires fitted on you concours quality Corvette? These almost impossible to find tires are what you’ve been looking for!
Priced at $3,500
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