Superformance 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport 5-Speed
Vehicle Details
- Year: 1963
- Make: Superformance
- Model: Grand Sport
- VIN: CGS0016
- Mileage Shown: 10
- Transmission: Manual
- Title Status: Clean
- Color: Monza Red
- Seller Type: Dealer
- Dealer Fees: None
- Location: Irvine, CA 92618
- Country: United States of America
- Lot #: V-0058933
To satisfy FIA homologation requirements, Chevrolet was required to produce 125 units of the Corvette Grand Sport. However, just five were completed before GM leadership, citing the 1957 Automobile Manufacturers Association ban on factory-backed racing, terminated the project. Although the cars were ordered to be destroyed, Zora Arkus-Duntov discreetly placed three with private teams and concealed the remaining two. In recent years, General Motors has officially licensed the production of Grand Sport replicas, manufactured using original molds and engineering blueprints. The Superformance Corvette Grand Sport is a continuation model authorized by GM that combines modern technology with unmistakable styling. This example is finished in Monza Red over premium black leather upholstery and is powered by a 600-horsepower 358ci V8 paired with a Tremec 5-speed manual transmission. This road-legal Grand Sport continuation is now available for auction out of California. Click here to view the previous PCARMARKET listing.
The Superformance edition of the Grand Sport is constructed using enhanced molds derived from the original factory tooling, refined for improved panel fitment and reduced surface waviness. The fiberglass body is hand-laid using the traditional method of four layers of fiberglass strand mat topped with two layers of Coremat, replicating the original process. Unlike the single-stage Magic Mirror acrylic lacquer used in 1963, the continuation model is finished in Glasurit two-stage acrylic urethane, then color-sanded and polished to a high gloss. This example is finished in striking Monza Red with white heritage racing livery. Exterior details include hood vents, side fender vents, rear quarter intake scoops, stainless steel side pipes, pronounced fenders, and 18” polished wheels wrapped in new tires. A collection of detailed images is provided in the gallery.
Inside, the cabin is outfitted with black upholstery, black carpeting, and chrome trim accents. Superformance commissioned Classic Instruments of Boyne City, Michigan, to create custom gauges faithfully replicating the originals, including a period-correct bent tachometer and speedometer needles. Equipment includes a leather-wrapped GT-branded steering wheel, a full set of center-mounted auxiliary gauges, period-style switches, a black-painted roll bar, and a carpeted rear shelf. Comfort and convenience features consist of power steering, power brakes, power windows, heating, and Vintage Air air conditioning. The seller states the speedometer instrument portion failed at 2,440 miles shown, requiring replacement. The vehicle has reportedly been driven 2,450 miles in total since the completion of the build.
Beneath the hood lies a 358ci Chevrolet small-block V8 producing up to 600 horsepower, sent to the rear wheels through a Tremec TKX 5-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential. Performance features include independent rear suspension and Wilwood four-wheel disc brakes. With a total weight of approximately 900 pounds less than a 1963 production Corvette, this continuation model rightfully lives up to the Grand Sport’s original “Lightweight” designation.
This painstakingly built, GM-authorized Superformance Grand Sport continuation is offered with a clean title listing the vehicle as a 1963 Chevrolet.
The seller would like you to know: “You can own an authentic continuation version of the spectacular Grand Sport racecar, authorized and approved by GM. Superformance CGS0016 is painted in Striking Monza Red with the traditional White Hammerhead style Grand Sport Striping. Powered by a 600HP 358CID Chevy Small Block. The V8 engine is mated to a Tremec TKX 5-speed transmission. This car features a premium black leather interior with air conditioning and power windows. Other options include 18" Polished Wheels and tires and stainless-steel side pipes!”
Comments (13)
@CustomPerformance , the car was originally built / ordered with 15" wheels and tires. Since then they were replaced with the upgraded polished 18" wheels with new tires, hence the stickers still on them. Hope this answers your question, thank you!
@GaryE_57 , Not a problem, at the bottom of our reply, we mentioned that there were just about 55 continuations manufactured to date. Let us know if you have any other questions!
Thank you!
@HillbankMotorsports I see a tire sticker still on one of the tires. Does that mean this needed new tires at 2,500 miles, or was only one recently replaced? This thing is pretty awesome.
@HillBankMotors I was not clerar in my question. I meant to ask how many of these GM licensed tributes were manufactured?
@oakhurstdon The listing describes the vehicle as being "approximately 900 pounds less than the original split window", odd wording yes, however, they are not saying the car is 900 pounds. For clarification, the total weight of the car is approximately 2900 pounds. Thank you!
@Artdeckco , thank you for your questions! You are correct, in 1963 the street cars had featured the split window. The reality at the time however, was that you couldn't see anything out of the split back of the car. Zora had removed that feature, choosing to add a single piece plexiglass rear window for visibility purposes when racing. Being that these are built under license of GM, every detail is conformed to the original 5. Hence this one not having the split window. I hope this answers your questions! Thank you!
Bid in the amount of $75,000
I love the irony of the Shelby wheels…
A typo shows the weight at 900 pounds.
Wow, just wow. Couple questions …
1963 was the only year for split windows. Why were these deleted?
Is the engine naturally aspirated 600 hp?
Bid in the amount of $2,025
@GaryE_57 ,
Originally Zora Duntov had quietly built only 5 of these Grand Sports. 3 coupes and 2 roadster models. After GM had axed the program, they ordered Zora to destroy the 5 cars. He secretly dispersed them to private collections around the country instead. All 5 still remain to this day! One of our favorite automotive history stories.
Superformance has been the only manufacturer licensed by General Motors to build a continuation Grand Sport, such as this example, and to date I believe we are up to about 55 manufactured.
Hope this answers your question! Thank you!
does anyone know how many of these were made?