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
Photo Credit: Jeff Romm
In the swinging ’60s, auto shows were the talk of the town, capturing imaginations like nothing else. They were a far cry from today’s familiar events, serving as showcases for the most jaw-dropping automotive marvels imaginable. Whether it was unique custom creations or manufacturer-crafted dream cars offering a glimpse into future styling, these shows were a feast for the eyes. Among the revered showpieces to emerge from GM, none shined brighter than this C2 Corvette.
Remarkably, this vintage showstopper remains in impeccable condition, evoking nostalgia for those who came of age in the ’50s or ’60s. Born during the heyday of automotive extravaganzas, the original iteration of this C2 Corvette made its debut at the New York Auto Show to resounding acclaim.
So beloved was this car, that
The driving force behind Chevrolet’s iconic Corvettes is stepping down!
Photo Credit: Jenny Risher
General Motors announced on Wednesday that Tadge Juechter, the executive chief engineer of the Corvette, will retire later this summer after an illustrious 47-year tenure at GM. His successor will be named in due course.
At 67, Juechter leaves a legacy as one of the auto industry’s most esteemed figures. Joining the Corvette team in 1993, he has been instrumental in shaping the last four generations of the Corvette, with General Motors noting his pivotal role in the Corvette’s victory as the North American Car of the Year in 2020.
Reflecting on his tenure, Juechter remarked, “It’s been the honor of a lifetime to lead the talented individuals who have breathed life into one of America’s most iconic vehicles. Their relentless pursuit
Chevrolet has officially announced that the eagerly awaited Corvette ZR1 will make its debut this summer. Positioned as the apex predator of the eighth-generation, mid-engine C8 Corvette lineup, the ZR1 promises to be the ultimate track-focused variant.
Expected to be the third of four performance iterations of the C8 series, the 2025 ZR1 is anticipated to inherit the formidable flat-plane crank 5.5-liter engine from its predecessor, the Z06. However, the ZR1 will receive a significant boost with the addition of twin turbochargers, propelling the rear-wheel-drive track marvel to over 800 horsepower. Internally designated as the LT7, this turbocharged version of the Z06’s engine is poised to deliver exhilarating performance on the track.
Remaining true to its racing heritage, the ZR1 is slated to maintain its rear-wheel-drive configuration. With the twin turbochargers augmenting the power of the 5.5-liter LT7 engine, the 2025 ZR1 is projected to achieve blistering acceleration, potentially
Join us for the World’s Premier Celebration of the Automobile
Join us on August 18, 2024 for the 73rd Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance at The Lodge at Pebble Beach in California. Watch style icons, innovative prototypes and racing greats compete for the top prize in the collector car world, while enjoying the camaraderie of auto enthusiasts from around the globe.
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Reserve Your Concours Sunday Gourmet Picnic
Take part in our time-honored tradition and enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch on the 18th fairway of the famed Pebble Beach Golf Links, while s [...]