The 1957 Corvette SS experimental car. Photo from wikipedia.org

This week’s top five list features cars that are highly custom, purpose-built or prototypes from the factory. Our top five list continues with one of the most innovative experimental cars that came out of the GM design studio.

Chevrolet’s 1957 Corvette SS set new standards for concept cars. It’s magnesium body was original for the times. From a performance standpoint, the car set a new lap record at Sebring, Florida in 1957. The design forecasted what the Corvette sport and racing models would look like for years to come.

With a goal of competing in the 24 hours of LeMans, Duntov’s team designed and built two of these chassis with an initial test to take place at the 12 hours of Sebring. It’s ultra-light (1850 lbs) and powerful engine (307 hp) had a chassis that was designed using the Mercedes 300SL as a template.

Featuring a tubular steel frame with coil over shock front suspension, the Vette SS sported a de Dion rear axle with inboard mounted aluminum drum brakes. The SBC engine was fuel injected and measured 307 horsepower at 6,400 RPM.

The 1959 Corvette Stingray concept car is a direct response to the efforts of the 1957 Corvette SS. Photo from wikipedia.org

Unfortunately the Corvette SS experienced suspension problems after 23 laps at Sebring, having to retire early. The car was scrapped in a few short months later when the auto making community joined to ban factory produced racecars.

To this day the Corvette still maintains some of the design inspired work that was initiated in the 1957 Corvette SS experimental car.