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Post by wilmywood8455 on Jan 16, 2024 13:28:33 GMT -8
1953 Corvette Early Fiberglass prep assembly line
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Post by truenorth on Jan 16, 2024 14:14:44 GMT -8
no masks on workers, hmmm
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Post by truenorth on Jan 24, 2024 11:24:51 GMT -8
Possible Pennant Blue Project: 1954 Chevrolet Corvette The very first three years of the Corvette’s life were touch and go. Only 300 of these hand-built vehicles were assembled the first year on a makeshift assembly line in Flint, Michigan, with most going to dignitaries. Chevrolet moved production to a much more capable facility in St. Louis, Missouri the following year, expecting to produce over 10,000 of these cars per year. When reality hit them in the face and sales expectations weren’t being met, the first thing the company did was add other colors besides Polo White. For all the options you could get on a Corvette from 1956 on, there were very few available in 1954. You could order your Corvette in Polo White as most did (3,230), Pennant Blue (300), Sportsman Red (100), and Black (4). There have been reports of cars that may have left the factory in Metallic Green and Metallic Bronze. While we are not told for certain in the ad for this 1954 Corvette project car, one cannot help but notice that this Corvette is painted blue inside and out. Could this be one of the original 300, or did someone get tired of white so long ago?
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Post by truenorth on Jan 24, 2024 11:26:34 GMT -8
1972 Chevrolet Corvette C3 Sport Coupe Delivered new on August 11, 1972, at Good Chevrolet in Alameda, California, this LT1 Corvette accumulated more than 60,000 miles before being placed in storage for 30 years. The original owner then passed the car to renowned dealer Corvette Mike, who initiated a recommissioning before selling it to the next owner in Calgary, AB, Canada. Further mechanical freshening continued in Canada while the paint, interior, engine and drivetrain remained original.
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Post by truenorth on Jan 29, 2024 10:10:56 GMT -8
Tony DeLorenzo (No. 11 Owens/Corning Fiberglas Chevrolet Corvette) finished 4th overall and 1st in GT+2.5 with co-drivers Don Yenko and John Mahler in the 1971 Daytona 24 Hours.
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Post by truenorth on Feb 3, 2024 11:21:15 GMT -8
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Post by truenorth on Feb 3, 2024 12:18:35 GMT -8
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Post by truenorth on Feb 8, 2024 8:56:29 GMT -8
1962 Chevrolet Corvette 360HP Real Barn Find, Even GM Forgot Existed The Classics The 1962 Chevrolet Corvette was a sports car produced by General Motors under the Chevrolet brand. It was the third generation of the Corvette model and featured a completely redesigned body. The 1962 Corvette featured a more aggressive and sporty design, with a longer and wider body and a more pronounced “Coke bottle” shape. Under the hood, the 1962 Corvette was powered by a variety of engines, including a standard 327 cubic-inch V8 engine with 250 horsepower or an optional 327 cubic-inch V8 engine with 300 horsepower. The car was available in both a convertible and hardtop (or “Stingray” as it was referred to) body styles. The 1962 Corvette featured a number of performance and handling upgrades, including a new independent rear suspension and more powerful engines. The car was also available with a number of options, including power steering, power brakes, and air conditioning. Was well-regarded for its sporty design and improved performance, but it was criticized for its lack of practicality and high price tag. The dust on the body seems to confirm this is indeed the case, so the first thing this car needs is a thorough wash. However, there’s a chance the Burgundy finish under the dust looks amazing as well, as the vehicle doesn’t seem to exhibit any signs of rust, dents, or scratches. The interior is dusty as well, but its overall condition is startling, to say the least. The black top matches everything else and is in excellent condition. The seats look fantastic and are free of rips, however it’s unclear why they’re also covered with dust (maybe the car was stored with the windows down?). The door panels appear to be in decent shape, but in order to judge the overall condition of the cabin, you must first carefully clean the inside. The odometer reads a little more than 41,700 miles (about 67,000 km for our European friends), and the number might be accurate. This might indicate that the engine was never rebuilt, but a closer look should reveal whether or not this is the case.
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Post by truenorth on Feb 9, 2024 8:48:24 GMT -8
1968 Chevrolet Astro II Coupe As far back as the 1960's Arkus Duntov was convinced that mid-engine was the only way to go for Corvette to compete effectively in styling, image and performance against the top European sports cars. He relentlessly lobbied Chevrolet and GM management for approval to bring a mid-engine Corvette to production introducing several prototypes to no avail. After Ford introduced their street version of their mid-engine GT40, Chevrolet designers went right to work on their own mid-engine Corvette. After 11 months, the Astro II was shown, immediately initiating a blizzard of speculation asking the question - 'Is this the next Corvette?' Mitchell's breathtaking 1967 Astro I styling study enabled his designers to explore the boundaries between beauty and low-drag forms. At less than three feet high, it was the lowest concept model ever created by GM design, so low that passengers had to use elevator seats to get in and out. A touch of a flush release pad caused the canopy to rise electrically. Once inside, occupants were lowered to a reclining position with another button. By contrast, the following year's Astro II, a collaboration between GM Design and GM Research, was a much more production-practical sports car. One of an extended series of mid-engine concepts created by Mitchell and Corvette Chief Engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov, with input from Larry Shinoda, it was designed with future Corvettes in mind. It was a study in aerodynamics to see how slippery a Corvette could be, with actual doors to access the passenger compartment, a front storage compartment and a rear hatch that lifted for engine compartment access. Code named XP-880 (Experimental Prototype), design was tasked to Larry Shinoda's Chevy 3 Studio and designers George Hubbach, Randy Wittine and Allen Young. Their proposal was conceived to comfortably carry two passengers and their cargo with the engine and radiator placed in the rear of the vehicle freeing the front compartment for storage. Chevrolet R&D under the direction of Frank Winchell provided the mechanicals. Built with as many off-the-shelf parts as possible, the car was powered by a liquid-cooled version of Chevrolet's 390 hp Mark IV big block engine. Sporting the Firefrost Blue paint desired by Bill Mitchell and Chevrolet General Manager Pete Estes, the Astro II debuted to the public at the 1968 New York Auto Show. Still, looking very exotic for its time, with a tilt-back rear and a tilt-forward front section, Astro II's styling screamed 'Corvette,' and two of its design features were later applied to production Corvettes. For 1973, when new federal bumper requirements kicked in, most American cars got big chrome front bumpers, Corvette instead got the much more attractive body-color Astro treatment. Then for 1974, the Corvette's tail was restyled to look like Astro II's. By using off-the-shelf parts, the designers were able to deliver the car quickly and at a relatively low cost. This car used an out of production 1963 Pontiac tempest with a two-speed transaxle. When the transaxle proved too weak, the system was redesigned. Rolling on G70x15 tires on spoked cast-aluminum wheels, it boasted four-wheel disc brakes and could generate an incredible 1g of cornering grip. Despite its built-in design weakness, the Astro II was an interesting effort. Internally designated XP880, GM says this Astro II 'almost made it to the showroom.' The Astro II used a central backbone frame and thick doors that housed safety beams. The 20-gallon fuel cell was located in the center of the frame. The engine, suspension and drivetrain were all attached to the central frame. With a 427 engine, this made the car more like a Can-Am racer than a streetcar. The radical 1969 Astro III is a two-passenger experimental car resembling an executive jet aircraft, even down to its 'tricycle' wheel arrangement....though it actually has four wheels, with the front pair placed close together under its nose. Powered by a Model 250-C18 gas turbine engine, it was envisioned as a high-performance vehicle suited for future restricted access or system-controlled highways. A power canopy moves forward and upward for entry, and rear vision is provided by closed-circuit TV with a screen on the center console.
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Post by truenorth on Feb 9, 2024 8:56:00 GMT -8
1955 Chevrolet Corvette C1 Roadster V-8 One of only 700 Corvettes built in 1955, this car was found in parts in the late 1980s.
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Post by truenorth on Feb 12, 2024 12:55:58 GMT -8
1969 Chevrolet Corvette C3 Greenwood Coupe This 1969 Corvette was built to compete in IMSA GT and SCCA B Production. It was owned by John Carusso and Lyn St. James. The car has competed in over 50 IMSA events as well as many SCCA events. The highlight for this car was in the 1977 Daytona 24 Hour race. The car finished sixth overall, fourth in the GTO class, and was the highest placing American car. This car held the record for laps completed by a Corvette for almost 20 years. This was St. James' first ride in her professional career. The car competed up until 1983 and was later sold to IMSA champion Phil Currin. The car has been raced in vintage events and has been displayed at the National Corvette Museum.
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Post by truenorth on Feb 15, 2024 14:00:33 GMT -8
1987 Chevrolet Corvette C4 Convertible Coupe The 1987 C-4 Corvette continued the resurgence of the American icon as a car delivering incredible value wrapped up in an impressive performance package. It also marked the second year of the return of the Corvette model (gone since 1975). New roller valve lifters were made standard equipment, upping engine output from 230 to 240 horsepower. Even with a performance increase the 1987 model also featured a higher fuel-economy rating (25 mpg highway). Joining the option list for 1987 was an electronic tire-pressure monitor that signaled a dashboard light to warn of low pressure in any tire. Two four-speed transmissions were available: manual or automatic. Standard equipment included power steering; power four-wheel disc brakes (with anti-locking); air conditioning; a theft-deterrent system; tinted glass; twin remote-control mirrors; power windows; intermittent wipers; tilt/telescope steering column; and an AM/FM seek/scan radio. Both the centers and slots of the wheels (unpainted in 1986) were now finished in Argent Gray. This car is specifically equipped with options: 6-way driver power seat, leather sport buckets, power door locks, visor mirror, speed and cruise control, Delco-Bose music system and heavy duty radiator. This extremely well-cared for specimen boasts only 5,200 miles on the odometer.
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Post by truenorth on Feb 21, 2024 7:13:01 GMT -8
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Post by truenorth on Feb 21, 2024 7:19:08 GMT -8
Classy for the 1967 Chevrolet Corvette L88 Coupe supercar In the Corvette’s almost 70-year history, there has never been another like the L88, an earthshaking machine of raw, unbridled power that redefined Corvette performance and amassed a winning record in FIA and SCCA production competition that went unchallenged for years afterwards. Developed by Zora Arkus-Duntov with Roger Penske through 1965 and 1966, the 427 CI L88 engine employed a reinforced cast-iron block carrying 4-bolt mains, a Tuftrided forged steel crank and connecting rods, and 12.5:1 forged aluminum pistons. The most radical solid-lifter camshaft ever fitted to a production Chevrolet engine actuated a hardened valvetrain in racing-developed high-flow aluminum heads, which breathed in fresh air through a cowl-induction-fed Holley 850 CFM 4-barrel carburetor on an open-plenum aluminum intake manifold. Chevrolet deceptively rated the L88’s output at just 430 HP at 5,200 RPM; when fully race-prepared and running on 103-octane fuel, it reliably churned out 560 HP at 6,400 RPM and almost 500 lb-ft of torque at 5,200. More than just a fire-breathing, race-ready big-block engine, Regular Production Option L88 was a balanced, comprehensive package of required equipment that included F41 Special Suspension, J56 Heavy Duty disc brakes with J50 vacuum assist, Muncie’s M22 “Rock Crusher” 4-speed, the G81 Positraction rear axle, K66 Transistor Ignition with mechanical advance, and radio and heater delete. A Harrison heavy-duty cross-flow aluminum radiator replaced the stock unit and dispensed with the radiator shroud to maximize high-speed cooling, a feature that caused overheating in regular traffic. Just as Arkus-Duntov intended, the L88 left no doubt that it was meant for serious competition. Only 20 L88s were built in that first year of production.
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Post by wilmywood8455 on Mar 11, 2024 6:08:17 GMT -8
From Clarke Walker's post on the 'Glory Days Of Racing' Facebook page ... "James Garner's, A.I.R. American International Racing L88 Corvette prep in Dick Guldstrand’s shop."
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Post by truenorth on Mar 11, 2024 7:06:20 GMT -8
Original 454: 1974 Chevrolet Corvette The 1974 model year marked a significant milestone in the production life of Chevrolet’s C3 Corvette. Chrome bumpers were now a distant memory, and the company’s big-block V8 made its final appearance. Chevrolet’s transformation of the C3 Corvette from a hard-edged sports car to a comfortable cruiser was almost complete by 1974. The company installed more supple suspension for a more refined ride, and the chrome rear bumper was consigned to the pages of history. Some enthusiasts lamented the changes, but buyer acceptance was high, with a new sales record of 37,502 cars during the production year. The original owner obviously craved the perfect combination of performance and comfort with this Corvette, selecting the 454ci V8, a three-speed automatic transmission, and power assistance for the steering and brakes. The big-block was beginning to feel the strain imposed by stricter emission regulations but still churned out an impressive 270hp and 380 ft/lbs of torque. It allowed the car to cover the ¼-mile in 14.8 seconds, making the ‘Vette one of the fastest American production cars available in 1974.
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Post by truenorth on Mar 16, 2024 8:07:14 GMT -8
Caprice Powered: 1976 Chevrolet Corvette Despite the convertible being discontinued and the largest engine available reduced to a 350 cubic inch V8, the Chevy Corvette had record sales in 1976. It was still the only 2-door U.S. production sports car on the market and buyers still kept their love affair going with the Corvette. This ‘76 edition is one of about 10% painted red and we’re told it’s currently under restoration. From the limited photos, it looks as though more needs to be done than has already been accomplished.$12 500
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Post by wilmywood8455 on Mar 16, 2024 14:56:31 GMT -8
Corvette Grand Sport#003 ; Orginally acquired by Dick Doane - Raced by Jim Hall, Augie Pabst and John Cannon in the prototype class at SpeedWeek Bahamas 1963 for Mecom racingteam Photo: Bernhard Cahier
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Post by truenorth on Mar 19, 2024 8:54:55 GMT -8
No Reserve: 1971 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible 21k After two years in production, the C3 Corvette underwent its first facelift for the 1970 model year. The changes were mild and subtle, although the fender flares were practical. Early owners experienced paint damage on the lower extremities from stones and debris kicked up from the tires. The flares eliminated the problem, a change that potential buyers welcomed. When buyers ordered their new 1971 Corvette, they faced the first signs of dropping engine power. Chevrolet detuned motors slightly to cope with lower octane fuel, a precursor to tighter emission regulations that impacted the entire Corvette range. This Convertible perfectly demonstrates the trend because while 1970 buyers received 300hp and 380 ft/lbs of torque from the entry-level 350ci V8, this car would have delivered 270hp and 360 ft/lbs when it rolled off the line. The change wasn’t dramatic, but it made itself felt under the right foot. The journey down the ¼-mile would have taken 15 seconds in 1970, increasing to 15.6 seconds in 1971.
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Post by wilmywood8455 on Mar 19, 2024 9:41:46 GMT -8
Rare Corvette Styling Prototype Hiding Since 1954 Restored To Perfection. A rarely seen first generation Corvette gone for many years has recently been revealed after a long, complex restoration. Thanks to renowned automotive author Jerry Heasley and restorer Billy Jay, we get a firsthand look at a very special, freshly restored C1 Corvette That early Corvette is gorgeous. It's the one Dave Kindig chose to pattern his CF-1 after
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