Hand-Built 1956 Corvette SR1 Replica Is One Seriously Cool Tribute

This 1956 Corvette SR1 replica pays tribute to a legendary racer.

As many Corvette fans are aware, the SR1 was yet another special racing version of the iconic model from the car’s proverbial father, Zora Arkus-Duntov, which wound up finishing ninth at the 1956 12 Hours of Sebring and is credited by many as helping to save the Corvette from extinction. It’s unclear exactly how many 1956 Corvette SR1 models were built in total, but that number is scant no matter what, ranging from four to eight. Thus, this hand-built 1956 Corvette SR1 replica up for grabs at eBay gives someone the chance to score a pretty cool alternative at a much cheaper price.

This SR1 wasn’t built from some sort of kit, but rather, it’s a home-built creation fitted with reproduction parts and mix and match doors, a rear clip, main body platform, gas tank, and top compartment, all of which were obtained from wrecked or salvaged vehicles. Underneath, the frame, suspension, and brakes are original C1 units, while the exterior features wider wheels, too. It certainly isn’t a show car by any means with its scratches and imperfections, but this Corvette looks pretty cool, regardless.

Power for the SR1 replica comes from a 283 cubic-inch V8 that was rebuilt around 15 years ago and taken from a later, 1964 model Corvette. It’s fitted with a dual-quad intake manifold from a 1957 Corvette and a pair of four-barrel carbs, Hedman headers, a newer aluminum radiator, a T5 five-speed transmission from a third-generation Camaro, and 3.50-geared rear end.

The Venetian Red interior is otherwise pretty stock and in solid condition, though there are some obvious imperfections here and there, which goes for the rest of the car. Regardless, this 1956 Corvette SR1 replica is undoubtedly cool, and would make for a unique cruiser as-is. On the flip side, if someone wanted to give it some love and make it presentable as a show car, it would also serve that purpose perfectly as well, still at a far lower cost than purchasing a real example of this historic Corvette racer.

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Photos: eBay

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