Mario's Tribute to 1968 Chevrolet Astrovette

1 The 1968 Chevrolet Astrovette Concept Car was part of an aerodynamic study to enhance the aerodynamics of the Corvette.

2 Introduced in 1968, it featured an extended nose, roadster windshield, closed rear wheel openings and an extended tapered tail.

3 It featured pressure actuated flaps on the fenders designed to open if pressure under the hood got too high.

4 1968 Chevrolet Astrovette 427ci 435hp L-68 Tri Power V8 engine.

5 The car is based on a blue 1968 Corvette convertible and the interior was kept stock except for a racing steering wheel.

6 GM unveiled the Chevrolet Astrovette concept car in 1968 in conjunction with the release of the third-generation C3 Corvette.

7 The Astrovette was designed with the intent of demonstrating superior aerodynamics.

8 The 1968 Chevy Astrovette is owned by GM and currently on display at the Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, KY.

9 This clean-contoured, experimental Corvette is a study vehicle, which will provide useful information in another area of automotive design invention.

10 The shape and the aluminum wheel covers suggested a land speed record Bonneville salt flat racer.

11 This show car took the new C3 design and made it aero-slick, with flat-disc wheel covers, rear skirts, and minimal ornamentation.

12 Of course, the open cockpit and the occupants’ heads protruding above the low-cut windshield were bound to add drag.

13 The car was actually based on a blue production '68 convertible. It was built in the spring of 1968.

14 The paint was pearlescent white and the blue interior was dyed black.

15 Tall narrow Firestone tires added to the Salt flat racer look.

16 Two notable styling features were picked up in 1973 and 1974. In 1973, Corvettes got the Astrovette treatment. In 1974, the tail end was restyled, a la Astrovette.

17 The obvious features on the Astrovette were the extended nose, roadster windshield, closed rear wheel openings and extended tail.

18 The back end was extended and tapered. Designers even added partial front and rear belly pans to smooth underside airflow.

19 The nose was extended considerably and the grille opening was kept to a minimum. The long hood has no bulge.

20 The 1968 Astrovette has smooth wheel disks on very narrow tires and rear fender skirts that are hinged at the top for tire access.