Corvette Model Gallery
Astro Vette
1968
In 1968, GM unveiled the AstroVette show car. According to an official press release, “This clean-contoured, experimental Corvette is a study vehicle, which will provide useful information in yet another area of automotive design investigation”. The car was actually based on a blue production '68 convertible. It was built in the spring of 1968. The shape and the aluminum wheel covers suggested a land speed record Bonneville salt flat racer. The paint was pearlescent white and the blue interior was dyed black. Other than a non stock steering wheel, the interior is pretty much production stock. The side flaps in the front fenders are non functional. They are only scribed in the body. The original 400hp L-68 427 engine mated to an automatic Turbo Hydra-Matic transmission was not modified, except for some chrome items. Tall narrow Firestone tires added to the Salt flat racer look.
The car was not very popular at first and it earned the name "Moby Dick". Soon after its unveiling, it was relegated to secondary show car circuits and eventually put in storage. At some point in time, the car was repainted orange, and in 1992 the car was restored to original show car specs.
I built this AstroVette using the Jimmy Flintstone body, and the Revell '68 convertible as a donor.
The paint is Cobra Colors Avalanche white lacquer (not related to the Chevy
Avalanche truck) Emblems are computer generated.
This has been one the most challenging models I've ever done. Fitting was
very bad and the resin kept warping on me even after painting. Many parts of the
model are held in place by forcing braces. Over 12% of the body is either
putty or scratch built styrene. I fear someday it may explode.
The wheelcovers were custom built by Arrowhead Aluminum Accesories based on my
drawings and measurements. I used older AMT '53 Corvette tires.
The 427 big block engine from the Revell kit was mated to an automatic
transmission from the MPC Voodoo Vette and the transmission pan was scratchbuilt.
The exhaust is solid core solder. The driveshaft was made from aluminum
tubing. The original spare tire carrier had to be removed.
The interior features photoreduced gauges and the steering wheel from a Monogram
White Lightning Firebird drag racer was modified.
Just too many modifications and fixes to list. But at the end, patience paid off. I like the end results.
If you would like to contact Ismael on this model his e-mail address is: tatocorvette@hotmail.com
Page updated 03/19/04