Item Info

Media Type: Photographic Prints
Source: Automobile Reference Collection
Notes:

XP-700 CORVETTE

This is a special experimental Corvette, designed and built under the personal supervision of William L. Mitchell, Vice-President-in-Charge of General Motors Styling. It is part of a continuing program of experimentation conducted by Styling and Chevrolet, whereby various engineering and styling features are tested on road vehicles with an eye toward possible production applications in the future.

Mechanically, the car uses many regular Corvette components – such as the frame, chassis parts and fuel injection. However, the fiberglass body has been extensively redesigned to impart a “grand prix” feeling to the Corvette sports car appearance.

Many “grand prix” characteristics are evident, such as a long, low front overhang, large air scoops, exposed frontal areas for better cooling and wire wheels with racing hubs. The hood length is accentuated by a snubbed, “bob tail” back end treatment, which has the effect of further elongating the hood profile. This imparts a classic sports car look to the body silhouette. Protruding around the radiator grille is a floating, shock-dampened bar that provides bumper protection for the front end.

One of the most startling features is the bubble-shaped upperstructure. This laminated plastic canopy is coated inside with vaporized aluminum to turn back the sun’s rays. The metal strut in the center of the canopy houses louvered vents to exhaust air from the passenger compartment. Constant circulation of air inside the passenger compartment prevents fogging of the plastic canopy when the car is operated. Another unique device is an overhead mirror, mounted above the windshield with a viewing porthole in the roof structure. This feature provides unobstructed rear view vision for the driver.

The exterior color is pearlescent silver, with a matching silver interior.