Corvette Model Gallery
Corvette Indy
1985
One look at the Corvette Indy and you know it was never meant to see production. The purpose pf the Indy was simple according to GM engineer Fred Schaafsma, "the Corvette Indy provides us with a single platform to integrate and test advanced vehicle systems." That they chose to do it in a package that will forever look as if it came from the future is just our good fortune.
The original silver Indy was a non running clay mockup built in Italy in 1985. The intention was that it would showcase the new 265 ci Ilmor Indy racing engine, hence the car’s name.
A year later the running Indy was unveiled although the plans to use the Indy engine had been shelved in favor of an early version of the new LT5. Despite the engine change the original name was retained.
Planned as a platform for advanced systems the Indy lived up to that claim having four wheel steering, traction control, all wheel drive, active suspension, drive by wire steering and anti-lock brakes. The cockpit also showcased advanced ideas with digital gauges, rear view TV screen and a computer navigation system.
During the same period of time that work on the Indy was being finished Chevrolet engineer Don Runkle and Lotus engineer Tony Rudd were meeting to discuss how they could showcase the joint engineering work of their two firms in a real world vehicle. To supply a platform for their plans they turned to the styling department that had just finished the Indy. The CERV III was the result but that’s another concept vehicle.
This is the first model picture I have seen of the Corvette Indy.. it was sent to me by Robert Wheeler.
Revell kit #7108 in 1/25th scale
Here are some of Rob's comments on the model:
Paint:
Red (custom mixed then polished), Grey interior.
Work Done:
Engine detailed.
Top tinted.
details added to rear deck and tail.
Problems:
Engine hatch did not fit well.
No positive attachment points to tie chassis and the body together.
Decal sheet missing rear logo.
Kit is missing rear louvers found on real car.
Comments:
Despite the fact that this is one of the models that I'm most proud of, it is a kit full of inconsistencies. Comparing the kit to photos I took of the real car, I noticed differences in the engine, interior and lower rear body. Since there were two Indy's built, a Silver and a Red one, my assumption is that the kit may have been designed before all the features of the second car were completed. The kit most closely resembles the second and most commonly known Indy, so this is how I built it.
If you have any questions or comments for Robert, you can email him at r.wheeler@sk.sympatico.ca
Page updated 02/05/01