1956 Corvette SR-2 Racer Offered For Sale

One of the most famous Corvettes of all time is being offered for the first time ever to the general public. The noted 1956 SR-2 is being made available through Corvette Mike. The car started life as VIN #2522 and went straight to the GM Styling Studio from the St. Louis plant under Shop Order 90090. There, under the watchful eyes of Harley Earl and Zora Arkus Duntov it began its transformation into the car we know today.

A total of 3 1956 SR-2 Corvettes were built. This VIN 2522 was the first. The 2nd one was built for Bill Mitchell, and the 3rd – a show car – went to GM President Red Curtice.

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.

Asking price? $6.885 Million.

Corvette Mike of Southern California is offering the SR-2 by what they are calling a “Private Treaty”. We’re not really sure that that means, but this marks the first time that the car has ever been available to the general public.

The blue SR-2 will be displayed at Scottsdale Sport and Classic Autocars January 12 – 14, 2015 from 12pm – 5pm. Furthermore interested parties can RSVP by email to [email protected] for a cocktail reception on January 14 from 6pm – 9pm.

You can view the car and more details about it here: www.corvettemike.com/SR-2/ or for more information you can call Corvette Mike Southern California at (714) 630-0700 or email them at [email protected].

Source:
CorvetteMike.com

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