The '53 Corvette was more of a styling exercise than a true sports car. With its 150 HP "Blue Flame" 6 and 2 speed Powerglide, it was hardly ready for the track. But it got the different GM design teams going nuts playing with this cheap and easy fiberglass body building. For Chevy, there was that not particularly practical Nomad wagon, but then taking cues from Euro designs like Bertone's Alfa B.A.T.s and the Disco Volantes, they built this fast back concept called the Corvair for the 1954 Motorama circuit that seemed to actually have production potential. While the ribbed hood bulges suggested a V8, the 'Blue Flame" w/ Powerglide were still under the hood with their 265 cid V8 still a year away in development. The 6 was rated on the Corvair at 195 HP, but I don't know what justified the rating. Finished in a sparkling Ruby Red, it offered nothing more than the basic Corvette chassis did. You can't overlook the potential of this fastback design that could been engineered into a true Sports/ GT car.
Matrix also did the original car in Seafoam Green. Period B&W photos show the car in a light color, and the 1:1 exists today. I see no period pics with a dark car. So is the red a replica, a build using discarded parts, or were there two?
This post was modified 4 months ago by Harv Goranson
Matrix also did the original car in Seafoam Green. Period B&W photos show the car in a light color, and the 1:1 exists today. I see no period pics with a dark car. So is the red a replica, a build using discarded parts, or were there two?
Both are correct Chevrolet builds. Listen at aprx the 1:11 point:
