1957 Chevrolet Corvette SS Project XP-64
The Corvette wasn't born as a sports car. Zora Arkus-Duntov went to work for GM in 1953 after seeing the Corvette on display in New York City — but was underwhelmed with what was underneath the fiberglass bodywork. Arkus-Duntov would help introduce the small-block V8 to the Corvette in 1957, setting the stage for his personal Project XP-64, the first factory-built GM race car. The car was built in secret thanks to the 1955 Gentlemen's Agreement, stating that the Big Three would no longer participate in factory-supported auto racing. Arkus-Duntov's team built the car in secret and reportedly copied the frame design of the 300SL in order to meet the deadline for the 12 Hours of Sebring; the car would go on to leave the race due to mechanical problems. This legendary car is now going to auction, with an estimated hammer price of $5 to $7 million.