Developed between 1959 and 1960, originally as a functional mid-engine, open wheel, single-seat prototype racing car, the Chevrolet Engineering Research Vehicle I (CERV I) did not see success due to the ban on manufacturer-sponsored racing at the time. Its developer, the Chevrolet engineering maverick and racer Zora Arkus-Duntov, drove it for demo laps at the 1960 U.S. Grand Prix, but that was as far as this car would ever get on the race track. The CERV I was then mainly used as a platform to develop and enhance Chevrolet’s body, chassis and suspension systems.

This one-off beauty was the highlight of the Scottsdale Collector Car Auction held by Barrett-Jackson recently and was sold for US$1.32 million. The latest set up runs a 377 cubic-inch (around 6.2 L) V8 engine with four-speed manual transmission and a front disc/rear drum braking system. The chassis features four-wheel independent suspension while the body is impressively streamlined for excellent aerodynamics. No wonder it has a recorded top speed of 331 km/h.