1956 Chevrolet Corvette SR “The Real McCoy”

Lights on front fender tells the pit crews which car of several is coming in when they are all painted the same.

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Saving the Corvette Name

After Corvette sales dipped to just 700 in 1955, GM executives were ready to cancel production. However, finally listening to engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov's pleas to enter it in major competition, they decided to give it a last shot at redemption in 1956. It started with this car, which Duntov prepared by increasing its horsepower from 210 to 255. This helped it set a flying-mile record at Daytona Beach with a 150.58 mph average. The car was then entered in the arduous 12 Hours of Sebring race where John Fitch and Walt Hansgen would pilot it to a class victory and ninth place overall, establishing the Corvette as a major force in the sports car world.

Collection of Harry Yeaggy

This vehicle featured in the ‘Corvettes in Competition’ exhibit.

1956 Chevrolet Corvette C1 SR “The Real McCoy” Gallery

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