Someone Finally Buys Outrgeous 1960 Chevrolet CERV I
After Lukewarm Attempts, Chevy’s CERV I Finally Finds a Worthy Home
The Chevrolet Engineering Research Vehicle is one of the rarest concept vehicles ever developed by Chevrolet. As a result, most thought it would set auction blocks on fire once Chevrolet agreed to sell it, but that wasn’t the case.
Appropriately nicknamed the CERV I, it was designed by the “father” of the Corvette, Zora Arkus-Duntov. It featured a small-block V8 engine that was way ahead of its time, and high-tech applications that were basically unheard of in the ’60s. Technologies such as high-strength aluminium, and magnesium components are some of the radical attributes of the CERV I.
The 1960 CERV I made its first auction appearance at RM Sotheby’s back in August of 2016, where it brought a disappointing $800,000. While that kind of money would be mega-fortune for most Chevrolets, this CERV I was expected to rack up $2 million due to its high-status concept/research vehicle. As a result, the prospective buyer did not meet the reserve and it did not sell.
Following six months of silence, the CERV I enlisted at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale. Hoping for high-profile clientele, and the fanfare that comes with highly advertised and televised auction, the CERV I went on stage and hoped for the best.
After a few minutes on the auction block and a strong push from the auctioneer, the CERV I hammered for a total of $1.32 million (after fees)! Once again, it failed to meet the $2 million estimate, but it did meet the minimum reserve set (whatever that was).
Unfortunately, Barrett-Jackson did not release the name of the buyer. Furthermore, we would like to congratulate him or her on owning such a historic and important machine!
