New Concept Chevrolet’s Stunning 1973 Aerovette

How do you replace a car icon? In the years to 1968, U.S. automaker Chevrolet dealing with this problem are highly respected Corvette. The first and second generation Corvette, designed by Harley Earl and Larry Shinoda and the stylish and innovative creations that many fans of the automotive community attracted.

The answer lies in part with an Aero Vette: a forgotten concept that only two appearances before engine relegated to the GM Heritage Museum.

In the late 60-s, GM engineer Zora Arkus Duntov and his team have played with XP-882 is mid-engine design and craftsmanship built on a foundation of Oldsmobile Tornado. Although fascinating in terms of design and Chevy general manager John DeLorean sees a future for the XP-882 and canceled the project in 1969. It is simply too expensive and impractical for the upcoming 1970 America.

When Ford announced that it will be in the style of the Italian / American Motors De Tomaso Pantera in Lincoln / Mercury dealership to sell in 1970, DeLorean hit the roof. He immediately ordered Duntov and GM designer Charles Jordan substance of the XP-882 and is ready for the New York Auto Show.

Renamed Aero Vette, XP-882 was a revolution. After re-engine for the 1973 Paris Motor Show, Aero Vette now characterized by four crossbar Wankel rotary, for five years before it could be widespread in the U.S. of the Mazda RX-7. Underneath the sleek fiberglass skin is made of steel and aluminum shell that is light and strong.

Innovative features abound, such as bi-fold doors, Gullwing, a V-shaped front glass and hard plastic bumpers. Pop-up headlights, fully independent suspension with coil springs and four disc brakes are also included in the proposal.

Inside, the digital dashboard displays speed, RPM, while the screen to fuel, water temperature, oil pressure or tension to show. Other digital display on the center console, the date, time and radio stations, and elapsed time in minutes or seconds in time trials display.
Even Aero Vette / XP 882 never have moved forward in the concept, design was very influential in the third generation (C3) Corvette. Much of the ingenious design elements found their way into production cars, but in some cases this process so long as one year and then (!).

So there you have it. Aero Vette: a car that is ten years ahead of its time, but got 70 of the oil crisis. Gone, but hopefully never forgotten.