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Colorized Mario's Tribute to 1968 Chevrolet Astrovette

1968 Corvette Concept Car

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.


Video and audio clips

1968 Chevrolet Astrovette Ride Along


1968 Chevrolet Corvette - Original promo film


1968 Chevrolet Ads from Bewitched



Related

More Cars of the 1960s
More Chevy Coverage

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Comments

Mario on Feb 17, 2023 said:

The Chevrolet Astrovette introduced in 1968 featured an extended nose, roadster windshield, closed rear wheel openings and an extended, tapered tail. It was part of an aerodynamic study to enhance the aerodynamics of the Corvette.

With its 427ci 435hp L-68 Tri Power V8 engine, it features pressure actuated flaps on the fenders designed to open if pressure under the hood gets too high. GM unveiled the Astrovette show car in 1968 in conjunction with the release of the third generation C3 Corvette.

The 1968 Astrovette has smooth wheel disks on very narrow tires, and rear fender skirts that are hinged at the top for tire access. It is currently on display at the Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, KY.

[Reply to this comment]

Mario on Feb 20, 2023 said:

This is my 125th Page on American Torque! For a listing of all my 125 Pages check out this link.

Copy and Paste:

http://www.americantorque.com/member/0/5463/

[Reply to this comment]

57timemachine on Feb 20, 2023 said:

Mario, there is no doubt that you are our American Torque super star. Thank you for your many efforts here on A.T. Cheers to you.

[Reply to this comment]

Mario on Feb 21, 2023 said:

Thank you my AT brother George for your kind words. I thoroughly enjoy posting these Pages and doing the research for everyone. Cheers to you!

[Reply to this comment]

57timemachine on Mar 23, 2023 said:

This car looks like it came form outer space to invade our planet. Finally a concept car that actually looks good. I grew up watching Bewitched with all those many Chevrolet ads that were on during the shows existence (1964-1972). Cheers.

[Reply to this comment]

Mario on Mar 23, 2023 said:

Yes it does look like an outer space car George! I was amazed to see it when I came across it. It was very interesting doing research on it.

I liked watching the show Bewitched also and the Chevy car commercials were as good as the Bewitched show! They were pushing all the SS models back then and that's how I ended up buying a 69 Camaro SS350. I bought it new and kept it for 10 years. I wish I had it today. A fun and fast car to drive. Cheers, Mario

[Reply to this comment]

Mario on Apr 12, 2024 said:

I colorized the B/W pictures.

[Reply to this comment]

57timemachine on Apr 15, 2024 said:

Bewitched was Chevrolet, Bonanza was Chevrolet, My Three Sons was first Chevrolet and then Pontiac, I Dream Of Jeanie was Pontiac, Twilight Zone was Ford. There are many others but I forget. Can anyone add to the list.

[Reply to this comment]

Mario on Apr 15, 2024 said:

Here are some oldies for you George:

Honeymooners-Buick

Dinah Shore Show- Chevrolet (See the USA in your Chevrolet)

Grouch Marx U Bet Your Life-Desoto

Milton Berle Show-Buick

Bob Hope Show-Chrysler

Bing Crosby Show-Dodge

Tennessee Ernie Ford Show-Ford

[Reply to this comment]

Brandon on Apr 15, 2024 said:

Mayberry RFD had Ford cars in their episodes.

[Reply to this comment]

Mario on Apr 15, 2024 said:

Superman had Nash cars in their episodes.

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