Amelia Concours to Feature Rarely-Seen 1964 GS IIB Experimental Corvette
2020 25th annual Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance to feature a host of experimental mid-engine Corvette prototypes to celebrate arrival of the C8.
Unprecedented Gathering
The arrival of the C8 Corvette is a big deal, obviously. And it's also the realization of a dream that started with Zora Arkus Duntov's desire to build a mid-engine Corvette decades ago. To celebrate this major milestone, the 25th annual Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance will be hosting what they call an "unprecedented" gathering of Corvettes, including the presence of the 1964 GS IIB (Grand Sport IIB).
Photos: General Motors
Special Occasion
This show within a show, Silver Anniversary Amelia's Mid-Engine Corvette class on March 8 will mark the first appearance of the GS IIB outside of its home at the Chaparral Gallery of the Petroleum Museum in Midland, Texas. It'll be joined by a host of other experimental prototypes, including the CERV I, CERV II, Corvette XP-819. XP-895, XP-897 GT, Aerovette, CERV III and the Indy Corvette.
Photos: General Motors
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Piece of History
GM Chief Engineer Frank Winchell designed the GS IIB to be a state-of-the-art Chevy-powered prototype race car and successor to the Corvette Grand Sport. The fact that it sports a Corvette badge is likely more of an afterthought than some thinly veiled attempt at designing an actual production car, but this prototype is an incredible piece of history regardless.
Photos: General Motors
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Circumventing the Rules
Winchell developed the original GS II, the GS IIB's predecessor, mostly in secret, using Chaparral creator and Rattlesnake Raceway owner Jim Hall's facilities to test the car. And following the American Manufacturer’s Association ban on direct factory racing participation, it was the perfect way to circumvent the rules on building research cars and helping private racers.
Photos: General Motors
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Evolution of a Race Car
The GS II was loosely based on Chevrolet's Monza GT concept car, which paired a monocoque design with a Corvair drivetrain. The GS II took that idea to the next level, employing things like an experimental all-aluminum 327 V8 with a single-speed automatic transmission and lightweight, thin-gauge steel construction.
Photos: General Motors
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Lesser Known
Following a brief testing period, the GS II was destroyed. In its wake came the GS IIB, featuring a bonded and riveted aluminum construction hiding wider tires. This new machine underwent extensive testing, and unlike its predecessor, survived the ills of the time. But even today, it's not quite as well known as other mid-engine prototypes, mostly because it rarely leaves its newfound home.
Photos: General Motors
>>Join the conversation about the IIB Experimental Corvette right here in the 6SpeedOnline Forum!
Once in a Lifetime
"The Mid-Engine Corvette Class is a dream class," said Bill Warner, founder, and Chairman of the Amelia Island Concours. "Having a historically significant car at The Amelia that’s never been seen in a Concours before is a dream for us. Thanks to Chaparral and the Petroleum Museum that dream has come true." You can catch this once-in-a-lifetime gathering on March 8 on the Amelia Concours’ Silver Anniversary field.
Photos: General Motors
>>Join the conversation about the IIB Experimental Corvette right here in the 6SpeedOnline Forum!