Jarred sends us the 1973 Corvette XP-897 GT  (also known as the "Two-Rotor Corvette”) - a concept prototype created using General Motors' new 266ci 180hp Wankel twin-rotor engine and its new automatic transaxle - built on a Porsche 914 chassis. Though the concept was fully functional and highly praised for its tight packaging and European flair, it never reached production. In late 1973, the OPEC oil embargo struck. The Wankel engine's high fuel consumption, inherent rotor-sealing issues, and difficulty meeting strict new emissions standards forced GM to completely cancel its rotary program in 1974. Because the car was imported to Europe on a temporary car-show visa, GM pulled the engine and transaxle to avoid heavy U.S. import taxes and left the rolling chassis in a UK warehouse. In the early 1980s, GM ordered the car to be crushed.  British author and Corvette enthusiast, Tom Falconer intervened, convincing GM design chief Chuck Jordan to sell him the empty shell. Falconer rebuilt the car, eventually installing a Mazda 13B rotary engine and a Cadillac front-wheel-drive transmission to keep it close to its original spirit. The car survives today in running condition, finished in its original Candy Apple Red.
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