The
1964 Corvette Grand Sport
did get an opportunity to challenge the Shelby Cobras
at the 1963 Nassau Speed Week. An aluminum eight-cylinder
engine capable of producing nearly 500 horsepower
was installed into the mouth of the corvette. By
the end of the race, the Grand Sport had proven
their point and completely conquered the Cobras.
The Grand Sports were prepared for the 1964 Daytona
and Sebring races. These tracks are extremely fast
and vehicles with aerodynamic bodies have a better
advantage. To capitalize, two of the vehicles were
transformed to convertibles. Unfortunately, GM halted
the project and the Grand Sports were not raced.
The cars were sold to privateers where they were
campaigned at various racing circuits. One of the
famous privateers was Roger Penske who defended
the Nassau GT Victory with a repeat in 1964.
