Marengo, IL – The number of significant vehicle consignments continues to grow for Dana Mecum’s 23rd Original Spring Classic Auction as the team prepares to offer the historically significant 1963 Harley J. Earl Corvette (Lot S116) on Saturday, May 22 at 2:35 p.m., in Indianapolis, IN.
“This is an unbelievable opportunity for racecar drivers, collectors and enthusiasts to own the vehicle that was specifically built for the namesake of the Harley J. Earl Daytona 500 Trophy,” said President Dana Mecum. “Created by General Motors as a gift for their former designer Harley J. Earl, this one-of-a-kind factory special convertible is a unique piece of Corvette history that we are excited to auction at our Indy event, right in the heart of motorsports country.”
Earl established himself as the dean of Detroit stylists during his career at GM, where he unveiled his concept for the Corvette in 1953 and cemented its image as America’s sports car. A friend of NASCAR founder Bill France Sr., Earl designed the prestigious Daytona 500 winner’s trophy and had it sculpted inside his Michigan design studio during an illustrious time in American automotive history.
A 1963-based Corvette featuring a 327 cubic inch engine, the Harley J. Earl Corvette boasts a 4-speed manual transmission; distinct dual instrument panels and stainless steel side-exit exhausts that sprout from behind the front wheel wells; and chrome trim, exterior emblems, interior control knobs and four-wheel disc brakes that are all pre-production 1965 parts. A hand-written number code inside the door trim panel confirms Shop Order (S.O.) 10323, indicating a special hand-built, one-of-a-kind Corvette.
In February 1963, this unique Sting Ray served as a parade car at the Daytona 500. After two years of owning the car, Earl sold it to a retired Maryland Army veteran. The vehicle resurfaced a decade later, eventually showing up at the Corvettes at Carlisle meet. In 1981, middle school teacher and Corvette enthusiast Joe Clark bought the car from the group of amateur racers who owned it and began researching its history. Today, the Corvette has been restored to its original medium Blue custom leather interiors with White seat trim and Metallic Blue exterior with White trim.
The Harley J. Earl Corvette joins more than 1,750 vehicles that will cross the block during Mecum’s Spring Classic Auction. To view a complete list, visit www.Mecum.com. Mecum will also offer a variety of collectible neon signs, which have grown in both popularity and value and make great additions to game rooms, home garages and businesses.
The Original Spring Classic Auction, held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, will be broadcast live on Mecum’s popular television series, “Mecum Auto Auction: Muscle Cars & More” on HD Theater – Discovery Communications’ first 24-hour high-definition cable network, offering compelling real-world and motorized content. The auction will take place in the Toyota Blue Ribbon Pavilion, with tickets available at the door for $15.