Historic First V-8 Corvette Prototype Hits the Auction Block

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Historic First V-8 Corvette Prototype Hits the Auction Block

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Historic First V-8 Corvette Prototype Hits the Auction Block

A foundational piece of

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is now up for grabs. Chassis EX87, the first

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ever fitted with a V-8 engine, has been listed on

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in a rare public offering that traces back to the model’s turning point in the mid-1950s.

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When the

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debuted in 1953, it may have looked the part of a sleek sports car, but its performance was underwhelming. Powered by a modest inline-six engine, early models struggled to live up to their visual promise. That changed when Corvette visionary

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and fellow GM engineer—and three-time Indy 500 winner—Mauri Rose began experimenting with V-8 conversions.

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Their testbed? A 1954 Corvette that became known internally as chassis EX87. Equipped with a 307-cubic-inch V-8, the car was pushed to a staggering 163 mph at GM’s Arizona Desert Proving Grounds, proving once and for all that the Corvette could deliver serious speed. The results convinced GM leadership to begin factory V-8 production by late 1955—a move that transformed the Corvette’s destiny.

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Although its original engine and bodywork have long since been replaced, EX87 still retains immense historical significance. Over the years, it was updated to 1955 specifications, fitted with a body from another test car, and later received a 265-cubic-inch V-8 and a two-speed automatic transmission. The car served as a demonstrator vehicle before eventually being sold to a GM engineer and, in 1968, to its current long-term family owner.

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Today, EX87 features a 327-cubic-inch V-8 and wears a red paint finish. While not in factory-original condition, its legacy as the Corvette’s V-8 pioneer remains firmly intact.

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With bidding currently exceeding $50,000 ahead of its May 19 closing, EX87 offers enthusiasts a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a genuine piece of Corvette—and American performance—history.

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