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1956 Chevrolet Corvette SR

General Motors used the acronym RPO SR to represent Regular Production Option Special Racing. These were options developed for racing, ultimately intended to become part of the 'Regular Production Option,' meaning available for any Corvette buyer.

1956 Chevrolet Corvette SR photo
Roadster
Chassis #: VE55S001194
View info and history
During the first full year of Corvette production, a mere 300 hand-built polo white examples were built. They had the right look but severely lacked the performance department. By 1955, a new V-8 engine was available, and the following year, a new body was displayed, complete with a new 'face' and side coves.

The Corvette was raced since day one, but its stock-engine car kept it from being a serious contender. By 1956, Sebring had become the most important international race in the United States and second only to the 24 Hours of Le Mans in Europe. Large crowds descended upon the small Florida town every spring to watch elite sports cars compete.

In preparation for the 1956 race at Sebring, four production Corvettes were constructed at St. Louis and fitted with eleven RPO SR options, including cerametallic brake shoes and special drums and backing plates, brake cooling scoops, Halibrand magnesium quick change wheels, Firestone Super Sport 170 tires, heavy-duty suspension, a Duntov camshaft, a 37.5 gallon fuel tank, and a 4.11 limited-slip differential. The four cars built for Sebring by Raceway Enterprises were joined by additional road cars with the SR features.

1956 Chevrolet Corvette SR photo
Roadster
Chassis #: VE55S001194
View info and history
One of the Corvette SR prototypes placed 9th overall (first in B Production) at the 12 Hours of Sebring, and this accomplishment plus its demonstration of performance and durability is credited with saving the Corvette from extinction. It was driven by John Fitch and Walt Hansgen and was the first Corvette to have a four-speed transmission and a 307 cubic-inch engine, which was the largest engine at the race. The Corvette wearing race number 6 was driven by Max Goldman and Ray Crawford to a 15th overall finish (6th in class).


by Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2024

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1956 Chevrolet Corvette SR Vehicle Profiles

1956 Chevrolet Corvette SR vehicle information
Roadster

Designer: Bill Mitchell
1956 Chevrolet Corvette SR vehicle information
Roadster

Designer: Bill Mitchell
1956 Chevrolet Corvette SR vehicle information
Roadster

Designer: Bill Mitchell
Chassis #: VE55S001194

Recent Vehicle Additions

Performance and Specification Comparison

SR-2

Specification Comparison by Year

Year
Production
Wheelbase
Engine
Prices
102.00 in.
8 cyl., 336.00 CID., 240.00hp
102.00 in.
8 cyl., 307.00 CID.

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