1963 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Roadster
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1963 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Roadster . Universal Hobbies 1/43 die cast model car. Model on display-no box. Also view my other models on offer.
This 1963 Corvette Grand Sport was part of a grand plan; one cut short, by a lack of support. In the early 1960’s, a squadron of racing ‘Vettes was assembled by Zora Arkus-Duntov. Duntov – Chief Engineer and driving force behind Corvette in its formative years – lobbied to have the car compete in the GT class of the World Manufacturers Championship, against the likes of the Ford-backed Shelby Cobras. With the encouragement of Chevy’s new General Manager (and racing enthusiast) Bunkie Knudsen, Duntov oversaw the development of the cars – all loosely based on the new-for-63 Corvette. The program was done covertly; a “Gentleman’s Agreement” by the Automobile Manufacturing Association in 1957 had banned corporate backed racing efforts. However, by the early 60’s, compliance with the agreement was crumbling, and some of the gentlemen were chafing under the competition restraints. As the first five Grand Sports were nearing completion, though, management pulled the plug. Reacting to ever loudening rumors about racing efforts by GM divisions, they squelched further Grand Sport development in early 1963.
Officially, that is, for the effort promptly went underground. The GS fast five slipped quietly into private hands, and began popping up on the SCCA circuit in ’63, winning at Watkins Glen. Three cars were campaigned by the Mecom racing team. With considerable, under-the-radar support from GM personnel, the Grand Sports had their moment in the sun at the Nassau Speed Weeks and the Governor’s Cup Trophy, placing well against good company. As plans ramped up for the 1964 campaign, though, GM stepped in for the last time, quashing all corporate involvement.
Three of the cars – which had been bought back by Chevy – once again changed ownership. The remaining two cars were sold to Roger Penske in 1966. Unlike the fiberglass fastbacks that first left the GM fold, Penske bought a pair of roadsters.