This Chevrolet Corvette 'SS' is an experimental magnesium-bodied car
and set a new lap record at Sebring, Florida, in 1957.
It has served as the forerunner of many Corvette sports/racing models.
Led by the gifted Zora Arkus-Duntov, a team of engineers created this
ultra-lightweight (1850 lbs) and powerful (307 horsepower) racing car
using the Mercedes 300SL as their template.
A featherweight magnesium body enveloped a tubular steel space frame
that featured coil-over-shock front suspension, a de Dion rear axle and
inboard-mounted aluminum drum brakes.
A fuel-injected small-block V8 that could reach 307 horsepower at
6,400 rpm sat under the hood.The 1957 Corvette SS was a 'concept car',
created with the goal of competing in the 24 Hours of LeMans.
Two chassis were built, 'the Mule' and the car to be raced.
Despite GM's enthusiasm, Corvette was scrapped months later, as the American
auto making community would unite to ban the manufacture of factory-produced racecars.
This wouldn't stop GM from rolling out the Corvette as a sports car for the layperson
who loved combining the look and feel of a racing car with the comfort of an everyday vehicle.
(wikipedia)
(Photos from conceptcarz.com & wikipedia)