One of the most valuable racing Chevrolet Corvettes in history will be offered at RM Sotheby’s auction in Monterey. For the rare 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport, the organizers expect to fetch $11-13 million, which could make it the most expensive Corvette ever offered at public auction. RM Sotheby’s reports.
Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport: one of five built examples
Up for sale is the car with chassis 003 — one of only five Corvette Grand Sports built by Chevrolet, and the first of three coupes in this series. The model was developed as a full-fledged racing prototype with hundreds of unique parts not used on production Corvette Sting Rays.
The car debuted in racing in 1963 and secured three class wins driven by Dick Doane. It later became part of the Mecom Racing Team during the Bahamas Speed Week, where it finished second in its class in the prestigious Nassau Trophy race.
The racing career of this Corvette also includes a second-place class finish at the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1964 and a third place in the same race in 1965. Famous American drivers drove the car, including A.J. Foyt, Jim Hall, Augie Pabst, John Cannon, and Delmo Johnson.
Rare Corvette Grand Sport: over 600 hp and unique history
During the current 23-year ownership, the car underwent a major restoration costing nearly $1 million. Over 4,000 hours were spent on the restoration, returning the car to the appearance it had at the “12 Hours of Sebring” in 1964.
The supercar is equipped with an aluminum V8 engine with a displacement of 6.2 liters, working with four Weber carburetors. The power output exceeds 600 hp, and the peak torque is also over 600 lb-ft, or approximately 814 Nm.
Over more than six decades, the car has repeatedly participated in prestigious festivals and competitions, including the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, and the Sonoma Motorsports Festival. In 2024, this Corvette also earned the title of “Best Corvette Ever to Run at Laguna Seca”, further highlighting its historical value.