Corvette Model Gallery

1973 Aerovette

While Corvette’s flirtation with mid engine cars did not begin or end with the Aerovette this is the closest one ever came to seeing production.

It began life as the XP-882 Four Rotor Wankel but was redesigned in early 1973 under the supervision of Chuck Jordan (head of design). It was also re-equipped with a V-8 while development continued on the Wankel program. The car was a dramatic departure from the conventional sports cars of this era with its slippery exterior, 72 degree sloped windshield and unique bifold gullwing doors. Inside comfortable sloped seats faced a shiny black instrument pod which would light up with digital information on start-up, a feature that would not see production till the C4, over ten years later.

The Aerovette was the right car but at the wrong time. While it had the support of many of the GM and Corvette leadership many of these individuals were at the ends of their careers and ultimately more conservative and traditional thinking would prevail. The Wankel program would be shelved and the Aerovette would never be more than a glimpse of what might have been...

The model

Robert built this nice looking Aerovette. Make sure you read the writeup if you plan to build this tricky model...

The Aerovette is more than just an old show car. It’s a clear vision of where Corvette might be today had Chief Engineer, Zora Arkus Duntov gotten his way. Because of this it is must have model in any collection of significant Corvettes.

Kit

• Revell-Monogram #85-7638

Paint

• MM Metalizer Aluminum with several coats of automotive Clear Coat

Work Done

• As I mentioned in my review of this kit there is a serious flaw that requires the altering of the construction sequence to solve. This is what I did:

-Build the body with the front and rear pieces glued in place then fill and sand following the body lines. When satisfied the body can be painted.

-Create the engine and rear wheel sub assemblies which can be glued onto the chassis now or after the chassis is mounted on the body. I glued mine into position prior to mating. Do not glue the front suspension assembly to the chassis till after the chassis/body is joined. This last step is a must.

-Once the nose and tail pieces are glued to the body do not try test fitting the chassis to it as the locating pins will make it permanent.

-I installed all glass prior to installing the interior but you might be able to leave the windshield out till the end.

-Follow the instruction recommendations for the interior and mount it on the chassis.

-Although it looks like it won’t fit, the chassis can be installed in the body by pushing it under the tail till it catches on the rear location pins then by warping the front of the chassis it can be slipped under the front clip and onto these pins. You will notice that the chassis bends easily where the front suspension assembly will sit.

-Once the chassis is attached to the body the front wheel suspension assembly can be glued in place.

• Engine detailed.
• Tires replaced with more accurate period ones.
• Interior painted in matte silvers and light greys.
• All glass outlined in black before being installed.

Problems

• Chassis/body.
• Incorrect tires which are post 1992 Goodyear GSC’s. My replacements came from the spares box but I can’t recommend a particular replacement.

Overall Comment

• This car has been done before but not in the standard 1/25 scale so is a quite welcome kit. Despite the mentioned problems it goes together well and a little extra work will turn it into a model to be proud of. I just hope that R-M did well enough with it that they will consider doing further early Corvette show and concept cars.

If you have any questions or comments for Robert, you can email him at  r.wheeler@sk.sympatico.ca

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Page updated  08/30/99