Even if you're not into old cars, Harley J. Earl is a name you should know. He's the designer of record for the original 1953 Corvette concept (production car pictured right with 2003 anniversary car).
He was so well thought of that General Motors gave him this custom-built Corvette Sting Ray back in 1963. He drove it as his personal car. It's up for auction again, this time at Mecum's Spring Classic Auction on May 22 in Indianapolis.
Earl's Corvette has a 327-cubic-inch V8 rated at 300 horsepower (gross, not SAE net) and a four-speed manual gearbox.
The four-wheel disc brakes, side-exit exhaust, exterior emblems, dual instrument panels and interior control knobs are all pre-production items that didn't appear on normal Chevrolet Corvettes until 1965. The blue and white upholstery and interior trim is entirely custom.
You'll find more exterior shots of the Corvette after the jump, but the sheer number of gauges and quantity of metal make it tough to take our eyes off this glorious cockpit.
Mecum Spring Classic -- Lot S116
lmbvette says:
12:57 PM, 04/14/10
That is one gorgeous Vette! This should net huge $$$$$$ for the seller.
jriz says:
01:02 PM, 04/14/10
Note the superfluous gauges. There's a second hand on the giant clock. It's 52 degrees outside, but 93 degrees inside.
Does the accelerometer really go up to 7 G's? Is that in case his Corvette suddenly gets shot into space?
Love it.
throwback says:
01:36 PM, 04/14/10
if you are a Vette lover this is the one to have. I'm guessing this thing clears 1MM.
bankerdanny says:
03:11 PM, 04/14/10
A/C and power brakes too. That's one very loaded '63, and what a color. Those are some skinny tires.
notabigdeal says:
09:34 PM, 04/14/10
This is not a car for performance, or getting girls (at least not anymore). This is a thing of beauty that would inspire other men.
jederino says:
01:58 PM, 04/15/10
^^I know a woman who drives a similar vintage Vette daily. So, women can be inspired, too!