Chevy’s 1964 CERV II

As one of the six Chevy CERV IIs sells at auction this week, let us take a look at the man and process that made this magnificent car possible.

Back in the 1950s, when the Golden Age of auto design was in full swing and breakthrough innovations were being added to cars left and right, Chevy hired Zora Arkus-Duntov the help them stay ahead of the curve.

As chief designer of the Corvette, Duntov had already reinvented the image of the American auto, giving it the power and speed needed to compete with its European counterparts (Ferrari and Bugatti). Staying true to his reputation as the architect of the American sports car, Duntov entered Chevy with the intention of further refining automotive performance.

In 1959, Duntov’s team began working on a testbed auto named the CERV I (Chevy Engineering Research Vehicle). Built around an open wheel concept, the CERV I featured a 96-inch wheelbase, an aerodynamic body and a 350 HP engine.  A technical marvel of its time, Duntov’s auto cut weight wherever it could and ultimately weighed in at a scant 726kg (1600lbs).  In fact, given its featherweight build, the car’s horsepower-to-weight ratio was comparable to that of an aircraft.

After the success of the CERV I, Duntov embarked upon his next concept, the CERV II. Begun in 1963 and completed the next year, the CERV II incorporated much of what was learned from the development of the CERV I but was built around a monocoque chassis. Unlike its predecessor, the CERV II was powered by a 500 HP V8 and according to reports it could accelerate from 0-100km/h (0-60mph) in an astounding 2.8 seconds.

In the end, Chevy created six CERV II models one of which went up for auction this week at the RM Auction house. At the gavel’s final strike, the CERV II fetched an astounding $1.1M, placing it in contention for one of the world’s most expensive cars.

Image Courtesy of RM Auctions