Duntov nevertheless failed to convince his bosses with the Corvette Grand Sport, built in five units in 1963 and disowned by GM.
In 1967, the use of the new L-88 engine was the culmination of the second generation Corvette pending the imminent release of the third generation. Designed by Duntov and his team to counter-attack the Cobra, the overpowering engine is nominally 427 hp but it can reach 560 hp at 6400 rpm.
This time Chevrolet accepts production but refuses marketing. The Corvette L-88 will be sold exclusively to previously known customers who will use it on the track and not on the road. GM certainly did not regret when it stopped in 1969 the production of the best performing of its commercial Corvettes for reasons of compliance with the new pollutant emission standards.
During the first year, 1967, only 20 L-88 cars were built. They are highly regarded by collectors. A convertible was sold for $ 3.2M before fees by Mecum on September 7, 2013. A coupe was sold for $ 3.85M including premium by Barrett-Jackson in January 2014.
On January 18 in Scottsdale, Worldwide Auctioneers sells a very rare 1967 RPO L-88 roadster, RPO meaning that it was originally equipped with several options that include in that specific case a silver pearl exterior finish unique for the roadsters of this series. This expertly restored car is estimated $ 1,9M, lot 32.
SOLD for $ 1.8M before fees
'67 Corvette L88 Convertible sold for $1.8 million. Off-road exhaust sounds great! @Hagerty pic.twitter.com/1HBNAi04ZM
— Hagerty Price Guide (@hagertyguide) January 19, 2017