A rare Chevrolet CERV I replica is up for auction this month. With a 6.4L V8 engine and classic design, it offers a unique chance for collectors.


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A rare Chevrolet CERV I replica is set to hit the auction block this month, offering automotive enthusiasts a chance to own a piece of history. While the original prototype, designed by Zora Arkus-Duntov in 1959, was sold for a staggering $1.3 million, this replica is expected to fetch a much lower price.

Built with meticulous attention to detail, this one-seater sports car mirrors the original but comes with a few modern upgrades and a slightly altered design.

Chevrolet CERV I Replica

Chevrolet CERV I Replica Design 

Unlike the original Chevrolet Engineering Research Vehicle I (CERV I), this replica features a handmade fiberglass body, inspired by an early design concept created by Larry Shinoda and Tony Lapine. The car sports a Snowcrest White finish with Frost Blue Poly accents, giving it an authentic vintage appeal.

At the front and rear, the styling differs slightly from the original, but the essence of the legendary CERV I prototype remains intact.

Chevrolet CERV I Replica

Chevrolet CERV I Replica Interior

The cockpit of this single-seat speedster stays true to its roots, featuring a two-tone upholstery and a Corvair-sourced steering wheel. The white ball shifter and classic toggle switches provide a nostalgic feel, while digital gauges add a modern twist to the otherwise vintage aesthetic.

Chevrolet CERV I Replica

Chevrolet CERV I Replica Powerful 6.4L V8 Engine 

Beneath its sleek exterior, this replica packs a 6.4-liter V8 engine equipped with aluminum heads, forged pistons, and a Holley electronic fuel injection system. The powertrain is paired with a four-speed manual transmission, promising an exhilarating driving experience.

Chevrolet CERV I Replica

Chevrolet CERV I Replica Classic Suspension

This CERV I replica is built on a tubular chassis, with a rebuilt and modified early Corvette suspension in the rear. The front end, however, adopts a period-correct Corvair suspension and steering system, ensuring a balance between authenticity and performance.

Chevrolet CERV I Replica

Chevrolet CERV I Replica Specifications

Feature

Details

Engine

6.4L V8 with aluminum heads & forged pistons

Transmission

4-speed manual

Fuel System

Holley Electronic Fuel Injection

Body Type

Handmade fiberglass

Color

Snowcrest White with Frost Blue Poly accents

Interior

Single-seat, two-tone upholstery

Steering

Corvair-sourced steering wheel

Suspension (Front)

Period-correct Corvair suspension

Suspension (Rear)

Rebuilt & modified early Corvette suspension

Auction Date

March 21, 2025

Auction House

Mecum

Chevrolet CERV I replica Auction Details 

This one-of-a-kind Chevrolet CERV I replica is set to be auctioned by Mecum on March 21. While there is no official price estimate, its rarity and historical significance make it a must-have for collectors and vintage racing enthusiasts.

FAQ

The Chevrolet CERV I replica is a recreation of the original 1959 Chevrolet Engineering Research Vehicle I, designed by Zora Arkus-Duntov.

While it closely resembles the original, the replica features a handmade fiberglass body and some modern components like digital gauges and electronic fuel injection.

The original CERV I was designed by Zora Arkus-Duntov, often called the "Godfather of the Corvette."

The replica is powered by a 6.4-liter V8 engine with aluminum heads, forged pistons, and a Holley electronic fuel injection system.

It comes equipped with a four-speed manual transmission for a classic driving experience.

The replica is based on an early CERV I design concept by Larry Shinoda and Tony Lapine, making it a unique blend of vintage and modern automotive engineering.

The car features a Snowcrest White exterior with Frost Blue Poly accents, staying true to the original aesthetic.

It features a tubular chassis with a modified early Corvette rear suspension and a period-correct Corvair front suspension.

The replica was built by the son of a former employee who worked on the original CERV I project.

The replica will be auctioned by Mecum on March 21, 2025.

There is no official estimate, but it is expected to sell for significantly less than the original, which was auctioned for $1.3 million.

The interior features a single-seat layout with two-tone upholstery, a Corvair-sourced steering wheel, and classic toggle switches.

The CERV I was an experimental prototype used to test advanced vehicle dynamics, influencing future Corvette models.

Since it is a prototype-style vehicle, it may not be street-legal and is primarily intended for collectors and display purposes.

The replica is ideal for classic car collectors, automotive history enthusiasts, and vintage racing fans looking for a rare piece of Chevrolet history.

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