Doc's 1960 Corvette Archive

the 1960 CERV I (circa 1980)
Depending upon your source, CERV is an acronym for Chevrolet Experimental Racing Vehicle or Chevrolet Experimental Research Vehicle. In 1980 it was on display at the former Briggs Cunningham Museum in Costa Mesa, California.

The information on this placard is self explanatory. The bottom message "Donated by Chevrolet Division of General Motors" was challanged by GM lawyers when this museum was closed and the collection was sold. GM claimed they had only loaned it to the museum, and wanted it returned.

However GM lost and it was sold to a collector in Texas. This was an effort to explore an assault by GM on the Indy 500 Memorial Day race. These photos were taken in the early summer of 1980.

A few months later I was at the 1980 San Mateo NCRS meet and discussed this model with Zora.

Zora was very enthusiastic when discussing the CERV I, reminding me that he had driven it at the Milford test track at faster than 200 MPH, adding "and dat was mit a small block". I can remember his vernacular like it was yesterday.
Above: note the typical Borg Warner T-10 shifter lockout and the Black knob with the shift pattern (unlike stock knobs without the pattern). Note that this shifter is rotated 90 degrees to the right of the usual orienration. I'd need that 4 speed pattern too reminder too.

Above: note the 8000 RPM tachometer a registration falling off the right windshield.
On an earlier visit to the museum Zora told me he has one of the CERV vehicles moved outside, so he could fire it up and do some burnouts in the parking lot. Is that a 307-13 lb radiator cap or a ?

Above: four side draft Weber carburetors. Below the CERV I with the subsequent model CERV II. On the CERV I hood, note the typical raised spoiler in front of the numerous hood louver slots. This arrangement was repeated on many 1956-1962 Corvette factory race cars. I luv it.

According to the 32 page booklet that described the museum collection, the CERV I was chassis #P-2152 with engine number 18004-241-B. More on the CERV II.

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