(April 10, 2010) MARENGO, Ill. — 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, Ind.
 
"This is an unbelievable opportunity for race car 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.