1956 Chevrolet Corvette SR2: The Start of a Legend
A Four Pistons Media Production.
Directed | matt genesis
Produced | andrew montiveo
AC | Jib Op | ian norum
A Corvette fan would consider any ‘vette special, but this one is more special than others. The SR2 marked the Corvette’s entry into factory racing. It made a dismal start until Zora Duntov upped the power and cut weight, turning the SR2 into a competitive machine. More gems followed, including the SS and the famed Cobra-Killer, the GS, to brief–but spectacular–runs.
GM’s factory effort ended in 1957 amid an outcry over manufacturer support for “reckless behavior.” Jim Jeffords, a revered driver from the era, took ownership of the car, changed its look, and, with the backing of Nickey Chevrolet, took the “Purple People-Eater” to two SCCA national championships. The car later went to Vernon Kispert, a drag racer from Terre Haute, Ind., who drove the car as the “Terror from Terre Haute.” The SR2 then went on to become a trophy winner at the Monterrey Historics.
You can go to http://corvettemike.com/SR-2/ to learn more.
