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| The Original Badboyvette - SR-2 | |
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|  | | January 14 2015 11:03:51 PM EST | |
| The 1956 Corvette SR-2 was the first ever factory produced Corvette race car. For the first time ever, it is being offered for sale. Asking price? How about $6.885 Million?
A total of three SR-2 Corvettes were made: the original race race, the 2nd one was built for Bill Mitchell, and the 3rd, a show car, went to GM President Red Curtice. The one for sale is #1, VIN #2522.
Early in the Corvette brand’s life Harley Earl’s son was racing a Ferrari. In 1956 the elder Earl instructed his son to sell the Italian car as GM would assist in building him a serious racing Corvette. Work on the uber vette began in May 1956 with over 17 engineers toiling away. At that time the body was modified and the Sebring Racing brakes and suspension were added. Separate small windshields were added as was a low fin down the middle of the trunk. Additionally, the front was lengthened and the side cove stainless steel was installed. The parking lamps were modified to allow cool air to reach the front brakes. The work was complete by June 13th.
In late June 1956 Jerry Earl drove the car during practice for the June Sprints at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. He eventually spun the car and Dr. Dick Thompson took over the driving duties for the 6 hour race. Afterward Thompson noted that the car needed a diet and more power.
Earl continued to run the car in the Central Region SCCA through 1957. Over the following winter it was morphed into the form we know today. A 331CI fuel injected engine and 4 speed transmission were installed. At this time the larger tail fin was mounted as was the new gas tank filler cap. The SR-2 went on its badly needed diet and had the entire stock interior removed. Fiberglass door panels and lightweight Porsche seats were added as well. Overall curb weight was lowered by 300lbs.
Jim Jeffords, National B/P SCCA Champion in 1958 and 1959, purchased the car on January 28, 1958. The original bill of sale still remains with the car as well as Earl’s and Jeffords’ original titles and notarized transfers.
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The car was on display in Scottsdale, AZ January 12th-14th. A special cocktail reception was held, and we were lucky enough to attend. Check out all the photos in the link below.
SR-2 Photo Gallery |
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