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Of course, Corvettes (of all generations) are wildly popular. It only stands to reason that there are about a gazillion “accessories” for them. I’m not talking about wing kits and carbon fiber scoops, either. I’m talking about the toy industry. Everything from kiddie pedal cars, Power Wheels, model kits, RC cars, ad infinitum…
Apollo 12 astronauts (L-R) Charles 'Pete' Conrad Jr., Richard Francis Gordon Jr., and Alan LaVern Bean with their identical 1969 Corvette Stingray coupes. The coupes features a 390-hp, 427 V8 and black-accented Riverside Gold color scheme designed by Bean. Photo by Ralph Morse / Time & Life Pictures / Getty Images.
Shortly after returning from his historic flight to space in 1961, Alan Shepard got a surprise gift from General Motors -- a dazzling white 1962 Chevrolet Corvette.
The gift would spark a budding relationship between NASA astronauts and the automaker, and experts say the association helped to define the Corvette as the iconic American sports car.
In the instance when purchasing a new ashtray for your classic is just not feasible (not available, price too high, etc.), why not restore your current one? Sure, it may look really ugly, but that can be fixed pretty easily.
Let’s face it, filthy ashtrays not only look bad, they smell bad too. First, clean them thoroughly with soap and water. A toothbrush or small wire brush may be needed to get rid of encrusted buildup. After the parts are completely dry (use a hairdryer if necessary to get into the tighter cavities), it’s time for paint. Spray metal ashtrays with silver (or metal colored) paint to make them look new (Krylon Stainless Steel works great). Spray plastic ashtrays with crystal clear lacquer to make them look unused.
When the enemy is at the gates, you arm yourself and brace for an attack. When you are the enemy, you let loose a fusillade. With high-priced exotics and domestic sports cars alike in its crosshairs, we already knew the 2015 Corvette Z06 was out for blood; our deep dive on the car told us all we needed to know on that count. But official power figures had been kept secret. Now that they’re out, it’s clear that the Chevy is going to be beating down some gates.
As you may have noticed, the auction world is L88-crazy right now. These Corvettes have always been a strong draw with well-heeled collectors, and with the recent jaw-dropping sales of a 1967 model and another L88 headed to Seattle in less than two weeks, enthusiasts are waiting to see if the crazy prices will continue. But this time it’s a C3 version, which have been missing the limelight as of late, so GM Authority thought we’d give this 1969 L88 some consideration.
If you’ve never used a clay bar to remove contaminants on your car’s paint, now is the time to start. This is actually such an easy and painless way to get rid of minor scuffs, bird droppings, tree sap, etc. Really, anything that is sitting ON TOP of your paint surface that won’t come out with regular cleaning.
First step is to purchase a good clay bar kit. Eckler's carries a great kit, check it out right here. Part #57-253988-1
OK, we realize this story is about a Monte Carlo. Nonetheless, we thought you'd enjoy this story, because not only is it a Chevrolet, it's one heck of a ride.
Arrival of warm weather means one thing: getting ready for cruise nights and show season. Over at Chevrolet Performance, it’s no different. Program manager Gary Mulder and his team are in the middle of dropping an LS376/525 Connect & Cruise system into an ’88 Monte Carlo SS for the 2014 Hot Rod Power Tour in June. So, just like you, they’ve been hard at work under the hood of their project car.
The red car was a 1967 Chevy Camaro SS Convertible, and was owned by the now ex-executive producer of the show. In the early days of production, they drove the car. Now it's transported by trailer between the cities Guy visits, and it's only driven between restaurants in the same town. “Newer” episodes (8/11 to present) have been shot with a 1968 Camaro. The '67 was sold.
Guy is a car nut and owns nine at last count, including an '04 GMC Sierra pickup, a ’65 Cobra, a ’96 Impala Super Sport, an '07 Corvette, a '71 Chevelle, a '68 Pontiac Firebird, and a '76 CJ-5 Jeep. Other purchases include a 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo (infamously stolen in March 2011), a yellow Chevy 4500 monster semi truck (as seen in this RITZ Cracker commercial) and a black-on-yellow 2011 Chevy Camaro.
Remember the 1967 Corvette L88 that hit the ungodly sum of $3.5 million? With only 20 built, it certainly was rare and, equipped with a racing engine dressed in street clothes, it had the appeal of horsepower. Who would have guessed it would go for so much? So it must be time for some of the other 20 to hit the block and see what kind of prices they will bring. During June 13-14, we’ll get that chance at Mecum’s Seattle 2014 auction.
When the 1967 Corvettes were introduced, a new multi-carb 427 was introduced in 400- and 435-horse variations. However, nestled in the order form was a single four-barrel 427 with 430 horsepower that cost much more than the other 427s. How could a lower-horse 427 cost more? Heck, you couldn’t even get a radio! The reason for the lower rating was supposedly to keep buyers from thinking, “I’m gonna get me the top horsepower version” and then learn that their Corvette was not streetable. And when you think about it, the L88 was hardly streetable with 12.5:1 compression, no power steering, no heater . . . not even a fan shroud. Would you like your Corvette overheating in traffic?
Tailpipes are not generally thought of as much of anything, except to car people who appreciate the completeness of the details. Cleaning and polishing tailpipes is another small step that helps to make your car show that much better.
