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In 1962, Corvette chief engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov initiated a program to develop a lightweight racer to compete against Carroll Shelby's Cobras on the track. The Grand Sport Corvettes would weigh about 2000 pounds and draw power from a 377-cubic-inch V-8 with aluminum-block-and-head construction. A 1963 General Motors edict to end all racing involvement derailed the plan, but not before a handful of the Grand Sports were built. The prototype Vettes were delivered to private parties, who raced the cars with mixed success until 1967, but plans to homologate the car with a total production run of 125 copies were abandoned.inline_mediumwraptextright26338120/reviews/driven/0911_2010_chevrolet_corvette_grand_sport0911_01_z+2010_chevrolet_corvette_grand_sport+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue

Though they were highly successful during the Age of Titans (1934-39) era with 24 Grand Prix victories to their credit, the Auto Union racers designed by Dr. Ferdinand Porsche were not the first to use a mid-engined layout. The Benz RH (Rennwagen Heckmotor) designed, constructed, and raced by Mannheim's Benz & Cie. beginning in 1922 (four years before their merger with Mercedes was completed) owns that honor. Four RH cars were built and two scored respectable finishes at their debut in the 1923 Monza Grand Prix.