Marcus Palmer
A first-ever gathering of more than 12 Chevrolet Corvette concept cars will be on display this Labor Day weekend as part of the Lime Rock Park Historic Festival (Sept. 1-5) in 2022.
Designed to tease the future styling direction for the American icon, these one-of-one, hand-made Corvettes each represent what the future could have held, and in many cases, what actually became that future. The unique assembly at Lime Rock Park will include examples from the GM Heritage Center, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, and private collections.
In addition to the concept cars, a compelling collection of competition and production cars will also be part of the display.
Confirmed examples will include the 1956 Corvette SR-2, designed by the “Fathers of the Corvette” Harley Earl and Zora Arkus-Duntov, the 1957 Corvette SS (XP-84), the first purpose-built Corvette racer, as well as the 1959 Corvette Sting Ray Racer (XP-87), 1961 Corvette Mako Shark, both the CERV I and CERV II, the 1969 Corvette Manta Ray, 1968 Astro II (XP880), 1972 Reynolds Aluminum Corvette, 1986 Corvette Indy, 1990 CERV III, 1992 Stingray III and the 2009 Corvette Sting Ray Concept.
“Through now eight generations, Corvette has been a leader in design and engineering,” said Phil Zak, Executive Design Director Global Chevrolet. “This extensive display of Corvette history will highlight the wide variety of ideas and innovations leading up the current mid-engine C8.”
The Historic Festival 40 launches on Thursday evening with the Vintage Race Car and Sports Car Parade, winding through 17 miles of picturesque two-lane roads surrounding Lime Rock Park. Friday, Saturday and Monday will stage an active schedule of practice and on track competition and will feature the return of the Historic Trans Am class to Lime Rock Park.
On Sunday, the Lime Rock Park Concours and Gathering of the Marques display nearly 1,000 classic cars and motorcycles arranged around the Lime Rock Park track.
Fans attending the event can also enjoy a swap meet, automobilia concessions, book signings, featured speakers and more. Sponsors and keynote attendees will be announced soon. For tickets and event information, visit: www.limerockpark.com/events
Lime Rock Park Historic Festival to Celebrate Chevrolet Corvette’s 70th Anniversary
March 17, 2022
The Lime Rock Park Historic Festival will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Chevrolet Corvette as the featured marque this Labor Day weekend (Sept. 1-5). First shown to the public at General Motors’ Motorama as a “dream car” in January, 1953, the Corvette has captured hearts and dreams ever since.
The Corvette has had a dramatic impact through the decades, both on the street and at the track. The Historic Festival will celebrate the competition legacy that the Corvette has forged internationally, as well as the remarkable design journey that has been shaped through a series of unforgettable concept car designs.
The event, which will also welcome the Historic Trans Am class back to Lime Rock Park, will feature 12 of the most significant Corvette concept cars, including the 1959 Stingray Concept, provided by the General Motors Heritage Center.
1957 Corvette SS (XP-84)
With the weekend set to include celebrated guests, invitation-only dinners and a close look at some rare machines both on and off the track, this gathering of concept cars is among the many special highlights slated for the traditional Labor Day weekend event.
“We are excited to host 12 of the most significant Corvette concept cars, they will be together for the first time in history at Lime Rock Park. I think this one will be a truly unforgettable event,” said Skip Barber, Historic Festival Event Chairman. “The Corvette has been a central player not only in American motorsports but also of course internationally. Between the amazing concept cars and some rare competition Corvettes that will be here on display, this should really be something special.”
For eight generations, Corvette has pushed the boundaries of technology, performance and style while remaining an attainable cultural icon.
“From the moment that it was first displayed in 1953 to today, the Corvette has always delivered unforgettable design,” said Michael Simcoe, Vice President, GM Global Design. “It will be really special to have so many examples of competition, street and one-of-a-kind concept Corvettes all in one place at Lime Rock Park for the Historic Festival. Through the generations, the Corvette design has evolved, but the brand has always maintained a central role in the automotive landscape and it is fantastic to have that role celebrated at Lime Rock Park.”
This season is the 65th year of operation for Lime Rock Park, and the Corvette has been a part of that history through the generations, including the debut of John Greenwood’s “Spirit of ’76” Corvette to victory in the final IMSA GTLM outing at the track for Corvette Racing in 2021.
Applications for the Sunday Concours are now being accepted; more information can be found at limerock.com or at motorsportsreg.com.
Source: Lime Rock Park
