Few badges in American performance carry the weight, or the story, of the Corvette Grand Sport. Its entire lineage is an enduring tribute to the legendary 1963 original. Born from competition and refined through decades of innovation, The Grand Sport is not merely a model; it is an icon, representing the genesis of American racing heritage that still defines the Corvette today. 

The Grand Sport isn't about excess; it was about the purest form of racing equilibrium. Every Grand Sport produced since has been an homage to the uncompromising, competition-bred vision of that foundational car.  

What Defines a Grand Sport?

The Grand Sport name was born in 1963, when Zora Arkus-Duntov, known as the "Father of the Corvette," set out to prove that an American car could challenge Europe's elite on the racing circuit. His vision produced a lightweight, high-output prototype designed to compete internationally against the best from Ferrari, Jaguar, and Shelby. Although only five prototypes were completed before corporate restrictions ended the project, those cars became instant legends. They embodied a bold spirit of innovation and competition that still defines the Grand Sport lineage today. 

This initial, uncompromising focus on race-bred performance is why the Grand Sport endures. Each subsequent generation, from the C4 to the C7, has been engineered to honor the '63's legacy by refining that specific balance.. Wider bodywork improves stability, upgraded suspension and cooling systems enhance endurance, and naturally aspirated V8 engines all serve to deliver a level of precision, control, and driver-engagement that echoes the original prototype’s masterful handling.

The modern Grand Sport is the purest expression of this continued reverence. It is a car built not just to win, but to celebrate Zora's initial intent: a competition machine that values mastery over excess, turning performance into precision. 

Evolution Through the Generations: Corvette Grand Sport Specs

The 1963 Grand Sport – The Birth of a Legend

The original 1963 Grand Sport was a purpose-built racing prototype designed to challenge the Shelby Cobra. Only five were ever produced, making it the most sought-after classic Corvette model.

Specs:

• Weight: ~1,900–2,000 pounds, thanks to a tubular steel space frame and lightweight fiberglass body with aluminum components
• Engine: 377 cubic-inch aluminum small-block V8 producing ~485 hp (race-tuned versions exceeded 550 hp)
• Body: Hand-laid fiberglass panels with aluminum components for maximum weight reduction
• Performance: Lightweight design and advanced suspension geometry delivered exceptional cornering and speed on track

Despite its short production run, the 1963 Grand Sport set the standard for American performance engineering and racing DNA that every subsequent Grand Sport would honor.

The 1996 C4 Grand Sport – The Revival

After over three decades, Chevrolet resurrected the Grand Sport nameplate for the final year of the C4 generation. Limited to 1,000 units (810 coupes, 190 convertibles), the C4 Grand Sport merged style with performance.

Specs:

• Engine: LT4 5.7L V8, 330 hp at 5,800 rpm and 340 lb-ft torque at 4,500 rpm
• Transmission: 6-speed manual only
• Suspension: Upgraded geometry with wider 315/35ZR17 rear tires and high-performance Michelin compounds
• Appearance: Admiral Blue Metallic paint, white racing stripe, and red hash mark on the left front fender
• Performance: 0–60 mph in ~5 seconds; quarter mile in low 14-second range

This model combined authentic performance engineering with nostalgic design, offering both a rewarding driving experience and lasting collector appeal. Its limited production, distinctive styling, and connection to Corvette racing heritage ensure it remains a memorable interpretation of the Grand Sport name.

The 2010 C6 Grand Sport – The Performance Benchmark

The C6 Grand Sport redefined the formula: Z06-derived bodywork, naturally aspirated LS3 engine, and track-ready handling.

Specs:

• Engine: LS3 6.2L V8, 430 hp (436 hp with performance exhaust) and 424 lb-ft torque
• Chassis: Z06-derived wide body (3.5 inches wider), Brembo brakes, and revised suspension geometry
• Tires/Wheels: 18x9.5" front with 275/35ZR18, 19x12" rear with 325/30ZR19
• Performance: 0–60 mph in 4.0 seconds; quarter mile in low 12s
• Weight: ~3,311 pounds (coupe)

By combining Z06 hardware with a more approachable engine and daily usability, the C6 Grand Sport became the sweet spot for drivers seeking high performance without forced induction complexity.

The 2017 C7 Grand Sport – The Modern Take

The C7 Grand Sport represents the evolution of the front-engine Corvette. It merges Stingray refinement with Z06 performance hardware, resulting in a naturally aspirated powerhouse.

Specs:

• Engine: LT1 6.2L V8, 460 hp at 6,000 rpm, 465 lb-ft torque at 4,600 rpm
• Chassis/Brakes: Z06-derived wide body, Brembo brakes, electronic limited-slip differential, and dry-sump lubrication
• Tires/Wheels: 19x10" front with 285/30ZR19, 20x12" rear with 335/25ZR20
• Technology: Magnetic Ride Control, Performance Traction Management, advanced aerodynamics generating approximately 150 lbs of downforce in standard configuration
• Performance: 0–60 mph in 3.6 seconds; quarter mile in mid-11-second range; top speed ~190 mph

As the final front-engine Grand Sport, this generation delivers exceptional precision, daily usability, and enduring collector appeal. Special editions like the Heritage and Drivers Series, introduced in 2019 toward the end of production, enhance its rarity and long-term value.

Collector's Perspective: Why the Grand Sport Endures

The Grand Sport holds a distinctive place in Corvette history. It achieves a rare balance that continues to captivate both drivers and collectors.

From an ownership standpoint, Grand Sports are often meticulously maintained and produced in limited numbers. Their drivability, heritage, and performance combination gives them enduring value, which many enthusiasts regard as icons.

In collector circles, the Grand Sport is often called "the Corvette enthusiast's Corvette." 

Your Grand Sport Journey Begins at Hillbank Motor Corporation

At Hillbank Motor Corporation, we understand what makes the Grand Sport special because we share the same passion for authentic performance and Corvette heritage.

For over 40 years, Hillbank has specialized in sourcing, verifying, and preparing exceptional American performance cars. When you're seeking a Grand Sport or a vintage Corvette for sale, each vehicle we offer is carefully vetted for authenticity, mechanical integrity, and documentation, ensuring it meets the expectations of discerning collectors and drivers alike.

With showrooms in Irvine, California, and Jupiter, Florida, we provide coast-to-coast access to some of the finest Grand Sports in the country.

Ready to experience true Corvette balance? Call 1-949-900-1960 to connect with our Grand Sport specialists.