Crossing RM Auctions-Unique GM Styled GPV-57 1964 Corvette Sting Ray

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BY SEAN SZYMKOWSKI as republished from GMAuthority.com

“Bunkie” Kundsen’s 1964 Vette Hits the Block!

Dateline: 7-29-15 The phrase “they just don’t make ‘em like they used to” rings so true with the story of this C2 Corvette. Once upon a time, GM brass had the pull to have a car handcrafted to their own desires. Here is an excellent example of that.

In 1963 Semon “Bunkie” Knudsen, general manager of the Chevrolet brand since 1961, ordered a special Corvette for his personal use. But, it wasn’t to be any C2 Corvette. Bunkie had signed off on many important Corvette variants during his tenure up to 1967, something important to understand regarding this 1964 C2 Corvette’s significance.

The GM design department dreamed up a unique C2 Corvette for the boss man. The front end was entirely hand crafted, a reconfigured hood foreshadowed the 1965 model year, unique bumpers and an egg-create grille round out many of the exterior changes.

As if those design cues weren’t enough, Bunkie wanted a special exterior hue, too. Therefore, the 1964 Corvette was finished in Cadillac Du Pont Firefrost Blue. The color was mirrored on the wheels, the dashboard and the blue carpeting, which was also sourced from cousin Cadillac.

Under the hood, the standard issue L76 327 V8 engine sat, making 365 hp. Sitting just above the hood in the dashboard reads the 1963 order code: “GPV-57,” signifying this was a special-made GM product for executives of the company.

Now, it’s up for public sale, where RM Auctions is expecting the car to fetch $700,000 to $1 million dollars. The 1964 Corvette Sting Ray will cross the block on August 14, where the Firefrost Blue should only draw a crowd in for the intricate details found all over.

Sean Szymkowski:
Sean Szymkowski is an automotive enthusiast, and a staff writer for GM Authority and Motrolix. In his spare time he enjoys traveling to any local automotive events to take in the surrounding automotive culture.

Bunkie and his wife

Bunkie and his wife in one of his many Corvettes.

K. Scott Teeters’ Art of this GM Styled GPV-57 1964 Corvette Sting Ray:

Click Art Below.

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53-14 Vettes by K. Scott Teeters.

53-14 corvettes

Other Articles about Semon “Bunkie” Knudson on Corvette Report, HERE.