October 30, 2007 Another historically significant concept car is set to go to auction at the 37th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event. The world’s only 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe Speciale “Rondine” will join the Ford “Italien” Thunderbird Concept of the same vintage on the block in Scottsdale, Arizona in January.
No Reserve has been set for the auction of this unique vehicle designed by Tom Tjaarda while he was at the world-renown Pininfarina design house in Italy.
The Corvette “Rondine” (Ron-di-nay) was built for the 1963 Paris Auto Show and was preserved at the Pininfarina Museum.
Based on the 1963 Corvette C2 Chassis, the “Rondine” features a 327ci, 4-speed manual, Fuel Injected V8 that pumps out 360 horsepower and a classic Pininfarina body with strong Italian influence. The front end slopes forward along a smooth curve that ends with a thin, horizontal chrome grille that provides air to the engine.
The rear end features the celebrated “swallow tail” arrangement, which minimizes the visibility of the car’s tail due to projecting rear fenders.
For more info see Barrett-Jackson.