For over 60 years, Chevrolet displayed mid-engined sports car concepts, causing rumors to circulate that the next generation Corvette would change its fundamental layout. The idea dates back to the second half of the 1950s, when the Corvette was just a few years old. As early as 1957, Corvette Chief Engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov began conceptualizing mid-engined sports and racing cars, which appeared in the form of the CERV I (Chevrolet Engineering Research Vehicle) of 1959 and the CERV II of 1964. While these were obviously not road cars, the Astro II XP-880 concept of 1968 (and do a lesser extent, the Astro I from the same period) looked like something that could credibly be manufactured for road use, as did 1970’s XP-882 (dusted off to become XP-895 in 1972). A pair of 1973 concepts known as the Reynolds Aluminum Corvette and the rotary-powered XP-987GT continued the explorations, which culminated with 1976’s Aerovette Concept, which was ultimately canceled when Chevrolet leadership concluded that it would be cheaper and easier to continue with front-engined Corvettes. The mid-engined concept appeared again in the mid 80s with the Corvette Indy of 1986, and again in 1990 with the CERV III, which would have been powered by a forced induction version of the ZR-1 engine and built by Lotus out of carbon fiber at massive expense.
The mid-engined Corvette began to feel a bit like the boy who cried wolf and the idea disappeared from the realm of concept cars for the next couple decades, generally containing itself to the rumor mills each time a new Corvette generation was in development. In 2019, the long-awaited mid-engined Corvette arrived for the car’s 8th generation, despite the fact that the concept had been teased for over 50 years and was originated by a man often referred to as the father of the Corvette, Zora Arkus-Duntov.
This particular car was built to commemorate the 60th anniversary of a collaboration between Arkus-Duntov and another American icon of motorsport, Briggs Cunningham. General Motors was not officially participating in sports car racing at the time, which disappointed Arkus-Duntov immensely, so he persuaded Cunningham to enter a trio of Corvettes as a privateer for 1960’s Le Mans race. Cunningham was one of the most experienced and successful American racers to compete at Le Mans, making him the ideal man to debut Corvettes there. This trio of cars became the first Corvettes to ever race at Le Mans and after a harrowing race, one of the cars (wearing the number 3) did manage to complete the race, winning the GT class (and placing 8th overall) and starting a dynasty of successful racing Corvettes that continues today.
Cunningham Automotive survives today, offering special edition upgraded Corvettes, of which the 60th Anniversary edition was one. Based on the 3LT C8, each 60th Anniversary includes Z51 performance suspension and brakes, performance ratio rear axle, front axle lift, entertainment system with HUD, both clear and body color roofs, and GT2 sport seats. The Cunningham upgrades are substantial, encompassing aerodynamics, styling, powertrain, brakes, wheels, and suspension.
Exterior styling was done by Peter Stevens, the famed designer who penned, among other cars, the McLaren F1, Lotus Esprit X180, and Jaguar XJR-15. More than just revised aesthetics, the new aero package includes revised front floor inserts to provide a flat floor, plus a gooseneck mounted rear wing. The net result of the changes is an increase in downforce at 150mph to 1,200 pounds, compared to 365 pounds in the Z06 at 186mph (or 735 pounds with the Z07 package). The cars also received painted on racing stripes, a now-iconic feature that Briggs Cunningham is credited with inventing in the 1950s. The 60th Anniversary cars wear a commemorative livery that recalls the 1960 Le Mans cars. Included among these external changes are custom wheels manufactured by HRE that recall the Halibrand “kidney bean” of the Le Mans racers.
Under the skin, there are substantial additional upgrades. The naturally-aspirated engine was upgraded by the iconic Corvette tuner Lingenfelter to 600hp from the standard 490hp thanks to a carbon fiber intake manifold, enlarged throttle body, and complete new exhaust system including ceramic-coated headers. Enlarged Alcon brakes are fitted, while the suspension is lowered and upgraded by Lingenfelter.
This particular car is one of just four 2021 model year 60th Anniversary cars built. It is numbered as the third of 60 examples built and was originally purchased by the collector who also owned the original #3 car which won its class at Le Mans in 1960. Protected by front end PPF and with just 107 miles from new, the car is in exceptional condition and certainly deserves to wear the iconic racing number three.
