Chapter 8: For 1956, new locations for exhaust pipes to avoid problems of their original positioning.

Introduction........................................... xviii 1 Americans Discover Sports Cars ............................ 2 The nature of the sports carearly and late American examplesKurtis, Cunningham, Nash-Healey and CrosleyEdwards and Darrin using the new body material fiberglass. Chapter 1: The Auburn Speedster was Americas idea of a sports car. 2 Plastic Fantastic ........................................ 12 Henry Fords plastic-bodied carscreation of glass-fiber and its usespostwar pioneers Stout and Darrinenter Eric Irwin, Bill Tritt and Earle EbersGlasspar and Life magazine of February 1952Woodill Wildfire. 3 Styled by Harley Earl ..................................... 24 Harley Earl and GM Styling1951s LeSabre and Buick XP-300Watkins Glen 1951 and General LeMays influenceAlembic I in Detroitstudio in Fisher Body Plant 8arrival of Ed Cole at Chevrolet and his enthusiastic support for a sportscar design. 4 GM and GRP........................................... 38 GM engineers learn about glass-reinforced plastic (GRP)Parts Fab and its early experimentsGMs GRP bodies for some 1953 Motorama dream carsplans to produce Chevrolets CorvetteBob Morrison rescues the role of GRPCorvette is tooled for manufacture. Chapter 2: Henry Ford demonstrats the strength of a plastic trunk lid. 5 Chassis by Maurice Olley ................................. 54 Maurice Olleys R&D Department designs a chassis for Project OpelMauri Rose ramrods prototypes and hot-rods the Chevy sixdecision to use Powerglide Myron Scott names SO 1737final details decided. Perspective: Corvettes Courageous .............................. 70 Production Corvettes Profiled: 19531955 ......................... 73 6 Dream Car or Nightmare ................................. 74 Final design changes before manufacturingfirst production cars from Flint Mill Building is plant in St. Louistests of early carsmarketing and the press launch with Mauri Rosefirst sales to VIPsproblems with the bodiesslow sales force production cutsChevrolets doubts about its new baby. 7 Sports Car in the Doldrums................................ 90 Enter Zora Arkus-Duntovmeeting Cole and Olley and joining GMspecial Corvettes for 1954 Motoramaideas for face-liftsenthusiast engine swaps first tests with new V-8introduced with 1955 modelsales still sluggish Corvette faces extinction. Perspective: Zora Arkus-DuntovThe Early Years................... 106 8 Creating the Real McCoy............................... 112 The 1956 modelFords Thunderbird shows two-seaters potentialhandsome restyling with wind-up windows and hardtopexperiments with transmissions Duntovs chassis improvements and new camshaft150 mph at DaytonaSR-2 racing versions. Perspective: GMs La Salle II Dream Cars......................... 132 Chapter 12: For 1957, the Corvette was capable of a 132 mph top speed. 9 Corvette Learns to Race ................................. 136 Corvettes star at Daytona in 1956first amateur racing efforts in 195455Ed Cole urges racing but Duntov demursSmokey Yunick and John Fitch prepare cars for Sebring 1956Corvette competes bravely in 12-hour race. 10 Le Mans in the Windscreen ............................. 150 Ambitious plans for international racing in 1956Corvette and Dick Thompson surprise rivals in SCCA eventsSR models defined for series production and homologationLe Mans effort postponed. 11 Fuel Injection ......................................... 158 John Dolza and Zora Duntov develop fuel injectionconstant-flow design chosen for productionSmokey Yunick helps racing developmentin spite of late problems manufacture begins. Production Corvettes Profiled: 19561957 ....................... 169 12 Fabulous Fifty-Seven ................................... 170 The 1957 modelone horsepower per cubic inchfull-synchro four-speed transmission introducedsparkling injected performanceSuper Sport show car. 13 Return to Sebring ...................................... 180 Production Corvettes for Sebring 1957shakedown at NassauSR-2 for Bill MitchellRPO 684 racing packageDaytona speed trials and racingGT success at SebringChevys cars sold to private teamsAmerican automakers agree to stop promoting performance. 14 Corvette SS The Creation............................. 192 Duntovs conviction that racing should be by special carsCole is Chevy general managerHarley Earl threatens a V-8-engined Jaguarlow-drag XP-64 racer styledDuntov creates skunk works for chassis designmultitube frame and special suspensiontuned injected V-8. 15 Corvette SS The Racing .............................. 212 Mule version of Corvette SS used for testingrecruiting drivers for Sebring 1957John Fitch and Piero Taruffi the choicesFangio and Moss sensationally lap in the Muleracing versions extreme heat from exhaust headersproblems in race and retirementshutting down the program. 16 Going for Baroque .................................... 228 The 1958 and 1959 modelsOlds Golden Rocket inspires possible new body four headlamps front dramatic styling changesnew interior pioneers a console potent Corvettes excel in SCCA racing and record-breakingproduction rises. 17 Ed Coles Q-Ship...................................... 244 New Code Q passenger cars for 1960 to have transaxles and independent rear suspensionXP-64 Corvette designed in 1957 to use componentsplatform frame designedBill Mitchell inspires new body conceptradical swing-up doors proposedmid-engined proposals alsoCode Qs cancellation ends projects. Perspective: Mitchell on Mitchell............................. 256 18 Stingray Racer ........................................ 260 Bill Mitchell succeeds Harley Earlhis passion for CorvettesMitchell acquires Corvette SS Mule chassisspecial body derived from Q-Corvette roadstercurved underbody concept for downforceBill finances racing by Dick Thompsonhe gains GMs approvalStingray SCCA success in 1959 and 1960. 19 Mitchells Motors...................................... 274 Mitchell XP-700 of 195859establishing Studio X with Ed Wayne, Larry Shinoda and Tony Lapineforeshadowing look of future Corvettecreation of XP-755 Shark for 1961. Production Corvettes Profiled: 19601961 ....................... 287 Chapter 18: Dick Thompson showed the Stingrays heels to competitors. Chapter 16: Designers gave Corvette one of the first central consoles. Chapter 11: Rochester-Chevrolet fuel injection manifold evolution shown.

Chapter 14: Magnesium-bodied Corvette SS with chassis exposed.

Chapter 4: A Corvette underbody lifted sky-high to dramatize lightness.

 20 Sixty Specials ......................................... 288 The 1960 modelincreased use of aluminummajor suspension rethink racing entries abroad in GT category by Camoradi and Cunningham teams four start the Le Mans 24 HoursFitch and Grossman finish eighth and win their class thanks to Bill Fricks inspiration. 21 CERV at Your Service ................................... 300 In 1960 Duntovs team designs mid-engined R Car single-seaterattack on Pikes Peak record a prioritystriking Studio X bodyworksensational appearance as CERV I at U.S. Grand Prixlater engines with Roots blower and twin turbostests at Daytona in 1962in 1964 206 mph at Milford. 22 Ducktail for 1961....................................... 312 The 1961 modelnew rear end based on XP-700 designsuccesses in SCCA racing and at SebringAllen Markelson takes a C1 to EuropeBunkie Knudsen becomes Chevy chiefJoe Pike named Corvette marketing manager. Perspective: C1 Inspires Coachbuilders.......................... 321 23 Calling Car 327........................................ 326 The 1962 modelconsideration of the W V-8 for the Corvetteoriginal engine enlarged to 327 cubic inchestwo ratio spreads for four-speed boxmeeting the XK-E Jaguar on the tracklone Corvette races at Le Mans. Chapter 22: New duck tail design for 1961. 24 International Initiative................................... 338 Four-liter prototype rules for 1962 offer Duntov an opportunityBunkie Knudsen keen to compete36-valve V-8 of 4.0 liters plannedspace frame for CERV IIingenious transaxlesShinoda smuggles body ideascorporate crackdown halts manufacture. Production Corvettes Profiled: 19621963 ........................ 347 25 A Legends New Legs................................... 348 Q-Corvette and Stingray provide ideas for aborted 1962 face-liftXP-720 is project for all-new 1963 Corvetteclever front suspension allows independent rear with transverse leaf springrugged new perimeter frameengine and gearbox refinedmule tested at Sebring in January 1962. 26 Concept-Car Styling .................................... 360 XP-720 to look like the racing Stingraycontroversy over coupes split rear windowchallenge of hidden headlampswind-tunnel testing of scale model in Californiacompromises for four-passenger version craved by Ed Coleproduction of pilot cars at St. LouisSting Ray name established. .................................... 374 Chapter 26: Possible rear bumper and 27 Year of the Sting Ray Two shifts at St. Louis support record salessensational interest in new Sting lamp arrangments drawn by Shinoda. RayU.S. press reportscoupe sent to Europe is evaluateddivided rear window is criticizedSting Ray called tomorrows car, on the street today. Perspective: Corvette C2 Customs ............................. 386 28 Fish Meets Serpent ..................................... 392 High hopes for Sting Rays racing successRPO ZO6 created for competition Knudsen involves Mickey ThompsonCobra upsets applecartCorvette wins first Riverside encounterCobras acceptance by SCCA as production car ends Corvettes championship runs. 29 Grand Sport Genesis .................................... 404 Chevrolets better idea for racing is ultralight Corvetteproduction of 100 planned for GT car categoryspecial ladder frame and suspensionultralight fiberglass bodyhemi-head dual-ignition V-8 of 377 or 402 cubic inchesventilated disc brakes.

30 Lightweights Go Racing................................ 416 Grand Sport production plans finalizedGM bigwigs reconfirm nonracing policyonly five cars completedtwo raced in 1963 by Dick Doane and Grady Davistesting at Waterford Hills improves cornering377-cubic-inch engine specification confirmed. Perspective: Thomas and the Cheetah.......................... 426 31 Meet Mr. Mecom ..................................... 430 Texan John Mecom provides fig leaf for Grand Sport entries at Nassau in December 1963green final drives throw up problemsCobras soundly thrashedBernard Cahier gives his impressionstwo rebuilt as roadsterscars sold to private ownersRoger Penske establishes team to race one. Production Corvettes Profiled: 19641965 ....................... 443 32 Sting Rays that Stop ................................... 444 The 1964 and 1965 modelscleaner style with one-piece rear windowhighperformance hydraulic-lifter V-8in 1965 disc brakes after exhaustive developmentGMs disc-brake evolution. 33 Power to Spare ....................................... 456 The 1965 and 1966 modelsMark IV engine in 65 with 396 cubic inchesoptional outside exhaustsfuel injection dropped for 1966Mark IV now 427 cubic inches and nominal 425 bhpRPO M22 rock crusher gearbox. 34 L88 the Great ......................................... 468 The 1967 modelrivalry from others including Pontiacs lighter, smaller XP833AMCs AMXventilated steel Rally wheels appeartriple Holley carburetors for Mark IValuminum-head L88 engine in spring 1967L88 entry at Le Mans in 1967. Production Corvettes Profiled: 19661967 ....................... 479 35 Winchells Raiders..................................... 480 Frank Winchells Chevrolet R&D takes an interest in Corvettesproject XP-777 Corvair could be lighter versionGS-II was V-8-powered mid-engined car proposed to Knudsen for productionthanks to Mitchell R&D begins cooperation with Jim Halls ChaparralXP-819 a rear-engined V-8 coupeto compete with Fords Mach 2 the XP-880 is builtbecomes 1968 Astro II show car. 36 Racing Four by Four ................................... 494 Direct opposition to Ford GT40 planned for 1964 GS-3later known as CERV IIadvanced Firestones powered by four-wheel drivepatented torque-converter drivelinesingle-overhead-cam hemi-head V-8 plannedengine used as frame behind steel tubeffort to build GS-3 comes to screeching halt. Perspective: Driving CERV II ................................ 506 Chapter 36: CERV II used the engine as part of the structure for stiffness. Chapter 34: The car that was not meant to be, the 1967 Corvette.

Chapter 21: Zora Arkus-Duntov posed next to the CERV I.

Chapter 32: GM Holdens 1969 Hurricane concept sports car.

Chapter 35: XP-880 experimental design that became the Astro II.

Chapter 27: For 1963, headlamp concealment was artfully achieved.

 37 Mako Shark the Second................................. 508 Astonishing X-15 single-seater based on Scarabideas used in new XP-830 concept car planned in 1964Mitchells ideas implemented by Shinodas studio shown at New York and Paris in 1965rich in fascinating featuresnamed Mako Shark IIbecomes Manta Ray in 1969. 38 Choosing the Future.................................... 520 The 1968 modelthreats from Corvair, Camaro and designs of R&Dfresh mid-engined proposalsnew front-engined studies from Hank Haga and Larry ShinodaShinodas concept closely related to Mako Shark II prevailspoor visibility and aerodynamics of first body force delay from planned 1967 launch Zora not fully in chargelast-minute cooling problems. Production Corvettes Profiled: 19681969 ........................ 533 Chapter 37: Design patent for the Mako Shark II. 39 Preening the Shark ..................................... 534 The 1968 modelC2 underpinnings get overhaulTurbo Hydra-Matic introducednew suspension geometry and wider wheel rimsas special consultant Duntov takes a C3 to Europeproduction quality suffers and Car and Driver cancels a testAstro-Vette a show-car version. 40 Return of the Stingray................................... 550 The 1969 modelarrival at Chevy of John DeLorean350-cubic-inch V-8 alarm system optionaluminum Mark IV blocksquarter-millionth Corvette Rathmann and the astronauts. 41 Sharks With Teeth ...................................... 564 L88 racing in 1968DeLorenzo and Thompson race for Owens-CorningJohn Greenwood brings fresh impetusGM designers are involvedLutz, Filipinetti and Greder join forces to create legends at Le Mansthe Sharks racing career. Chapter 39: 1968s grill design gave marginal air delivery. 42 Mid-Engine Mania ..................................... 584 The 1968 design of XP-882adaptation of Oldsmobile Toronado transaxletwo prototypes ready in 1969Joe Pikes pessimismattempt to merge Camaro and Corvettesurprise appearance at 1970 New York Show. 43 Vette for the Seventies.................................. 594 The 1970, 1971 and 1972 modelsstyling fresheningpricing risessolid-lifter LT1Mark IV increased to 454 cubic inches and aluminum headsadapting to unleaded fuelSt. Louis plant activity. Production Corvettes Profiled: 19701973 ........................ 607 44 Foam and Aluminum the Answer? ........................ 608 Foam-plastic structure of Vega-based XP-898 of 1973John DeLorean and Alex Mair support revived mid-engined XP-882 effortHaga and Young style XP-895 versionaluminum structure built by Reynolds and assessed in 1972. Chapter 41: John Greenwood with his spectacular American-flag livery. 45 Topping and Tailing the C3 ............................... 618 The 1973 and 1974 modelsradial tiresbetter body mountsL82 engine optionurethane plastic nose and tailGymkhana suspensionlast years for the Mark IV V-8. 46 Welcome to Wankel World............................... 630 GMs commitment to the rotary Wankel enginethe XP-987GT Chevrolet GT of 1972 becomes the 2-Rotor Corvette of 1973design by Wasenko and MacKichaninspiration source for John DeLorean. 47 Aerovette the Magnicent............................... 644 The 4-Rotor mid-engined Corvette concept of 1973Wankel power package by Gib Hufstaderstyling by Mitchell, Palmer and HagaParis Salon starGM decides against Wankel powerchange in 1976 to V-8-powered Aerovetteits significance and influence. Production Corvettes Profiled: 19741975 ........................ 659

48 Period of Adjustment .................................. 660 The 1975 and 1976 modelssolely 350 V-8sbladder fuel tanks and catalysts paint issueselimination of the convertibleretirement of Zora Arkus-Duntov arrival of Dave McLellanGM management not keen on all-new Corvette. Perspective: Tribute to Zora Arkus-Duntov ...................... 674 49 From Duntov to McLellan ............................... 676 The 1977 modelnew Corvette chief Dave McLellanbody-quality issues V-6 experimentsprices march upward to improve profitsretirement of Bill Mitchell and Joe PikeIrv Rybicki at Design Staff. Production Corvettes Profiled: 1976197 ....................... 687 50 Happy Anniversary! ................................... 688 The 1978 modelfastback glazingaerodynamic refinementsnew instrument panelSilver Anniversary editionCorvette demand intensifiesfrenzy over Pace Cars for the Indianapolis 500. Production Corvettes Profiled: 19781982 ....................... 700 51 Weight Watching the C3................................ 702 The 1979 and 1980 modelsdurability issuesproduction sets recordsplastic seats lighter but controversialturbocharged V-8 experimentsDuntov Turboa turbine-powered C3a four-door Corvetteweight-reduction campaign. Perspective: Inside Corvette St. Louis .......................... 716 52 Between Dream and Reality ............................ 720 The 1981 and 1982 modelsa fiberglass leaf springpower seats and two-tone paintCross-Fire Fuel Injectiona new factory at Bowling Green, Kentucky through the $20,000 barrierfinal Collector Edition lovingly created. Appendix I. Engines ................................... 734 Appendix II. Production and Sales ....................... 735 Appendix III. Serial Numbers............................ 735 Appendix IV. Colors by Model Year ...................... 736 Appendix V. Base Specications ......................... 739 Appendix VI. Equipment Buying Trends ................... 739 Appendix VII. Corvette Racing Record.................... 740 Bibliography ......................................... 749 .Art Credits ........................................... 753 Index............................................... 754 About the Author ..................................... 769 Chapter 50: Chevy hit the jackpot in 1978 with the Corvette Indy Pace Car. Chapter 48: For 1976, the Corvette was only built as a coupe.

Chapter 46: The no-nonsense front end of the XP-987GT.

Chapter 43: 1970 Corvette cockpit with Turbo Hydra-matic transmission.

Chapter 52: The first Corvette rolls off the Bowling Green line.

established 1950 Automotive Reference

Avai July lable 4, 20 14

BentleyPublishers
.com

Corvette Americas Star-Spangled Sports Car

Price: $149.95 Bentley Stock No: GCSS Publication Date: 2014-07-04 ISBN: 978-0-8376-1659-9 Hardcover, 9 in. x 10 1/2in. Case quantity: 1 784 pages 989 photos, illustrations and diagrams

The Complete History 1953-1982 by Karl Ludvigsen

The Complete History 1953-1982

CorvetteAmericas Star-Spangled Sports Car: The Complete History, 1953-1982 takes the reader behind the scenes during the early decades of Corvette design, engineering, brand development and racing competition. Award-winning automotive historian Karl Ludvigsen weaves together a technical examination of each model year with the compelling stories of the GM staffers and privateer racers whothrough equal parts talent, passion and sheer force of willkept the Corvette program thriving against heavy odds. Ludvigsens up close and personal telling of the Corvette story captures the human drama and erce rivalries that fueled the American car industrys golden ageand resulted in some impressive Detroit muscle. When it was published in 1973, Star-Spangled Sports Car broke new ground as the rst book devoted entirely to a single car model. It has since been credited with helping to kick-start the exciting Corvette hobby. Four decades after its original publication Classic and Sports Car declared, Karl Ludvigsens Corvette history remains the bible. Now the award-winning author has fully revised, reorganized and expanded his Corvette bible, devoting 784 pages and 989 photos and illustrations to the complete history of the C1, C2 and C3 generation cars. As fast-paced and exciting as the cars it describes, this is a book for anyone who ever drove a Corvetteor wanted to.

The author and Zora consult during test drive of CERV II in 1970.
Chapter 36: Racing Four by Four

Tony Lapine airbrushes a rendering of the XP-755 in 1961.

Chapter 19: Mitchells Motors

Karl Ludvigsen with Corvette creators Zora Arkus-Duntov and Bill Mitchell.
My early education and inspiration related to Corvette history came from my original 1973 copy of Star Spangled Sports Car. After 40 years of use, wrinkles, torn dust cover, and dirt stained pages, it has served as the number one source to help tell the stories of the cars and people inducted into the Great Hall. David Burroughs Founder, Bloomington Gold

Bentley Publishers, 1734 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138-1804 USA Tel: 617-547-4170 Toll Free: 800-423-4595 Fax: 617-876-9235 http://www.bentleypublishers.com/contact-us
bentley_gcss_new.product.announcement.pdf