Doc's 1963 Corvette Archive

the 1963 CERV II (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 "This vehicle made by GMC Chevrolet Engineering Center Warren, Mich. Donated by the above" 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.

A direct out growth of this mid ewngine 4 wheel drive automatic was the Chaparral race cars produced by Jim Hall with the clandestine help of Chevrolet. The museum sold small booklets and I purchased the one that detailed the development of the many incarnation of these Chaparral's.

Below: As a Corvette enthusiast, I have always "judged" a Corvette by it's equipment. Note the missing horn button cap.

Below: The crome plated short stack exhaust pipes look like they are made from 1968-1969 Corvette exhaust tips. But - the 1968-1969 was not yet "born".

Below: I love those kidney bean Magnesiun knock off wheels.

According to the 32 page booklet that described the museum collection, the CERV II was chassis #P-3910 with engine number 11212EZ-92199-A. In the lower left the progenitor: the CERV I with the typical race Corvette front spoiler preceding the hood louvres.

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