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:
Felice built this AeroVette from thr Revell kit, making modifications to the assembly procedure in order to eliminate seam lines.

Paint is Model Master Aluminum plate with Tamiya Clear.

Two cuts were done in the chassis, along the axle lines, so the front and back sections could be installed AFTER the body was completed. The center chassis section was installed last.

If you would like to contact Felice on this model his e-mail address is:   felilaura@cantv.net

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Page updated  01/08/03