Timeless Elegance: Chevy's Astro I Experimental Car of 1967

ONE-OFF - In tracing the captivating journey of the 1967 Chevrolet Astro I Experimental, we uncover a pivotal moment in automotive history. While many perceive vehicle development as a straightforward process, the Astro I defied conventions, pushing the boundaries of design and aerodynamics. Now, let's delve into the details of this iconic concept car that not only turned heads at the 1967 New York Auto Show but also marked a significant chapter in Chevrolet's pursuit of automotive innovation.

The Chevrolet Astro I Experimental marked a significant chapter in Chevrolet's pursuit of automotive innovation, debuted at the 1967 New York Auto Show. (Picture from: GMAuthority)

Crafted under the visionary direction of GM design lead Bill Mitchell and designed by Larry Shinoda, the Astro I aimed to explore the visual possibilities of aerodynamic characteristics in automobiles. This experimental model significantly pushed the boundaries, showcasing the seamless integration of aesthetics and aerodynamics. At first glance, the silhouette closely mirrors that of the Fiat Abarth 2000 Scorpione Concept crafted by Pininfarina in 1969.

The Chevrolet Astro I Experimental significantly pushed the boundaries, showcasing the seamless integration of aesthetics and aerodynamics. (Picture from: FuturisticCars on Facebook)

Building upon GM's earlier ventures with aerodynamics—the Corvair Monza GT and roofless Corvair Monza SS—the Astro I featured a striking exterior. Boasting a mere height of 35.5 inches, the vehicle sported a distinctive pop-up canopy section instead of conventional doors, facilitating easy entry. The unconventional design, although not the most practical, captivated spectators at auto shows in the late 1960s.

The Chevrolet Astro I Experimental boasting a mere height of 35.5 inches, the vehicle sported a distinctive pop-up canopy section instead of conventional doors, facilitating easy entry. (Picture from: GMAuthority)

The interior of the Astro I was equally avant-garde. The seats elevated with the canopy, allowing occupants to ascend into them and descend into the vehicle as the clamshell section closed. This innovative approach to entry and seating added to the overall allure of the concept, even if it wasn't the most pragmatic solution.

This dramatic multiple exposure shot demonstrates the operation of the Astro I's innovative entry system, the roof and seats.. (Picture from: Hemmings)

Under the hood, the Astro I Experimental featured a unique single overhead camshaft version of Chevy's Turbo-Air 6 boxer engine. With an increased bore and stroke, the engine reached 2.9 liters, generating an impressive 240 horsepower at 7,400 rpm—outperforming its counterparts in the Monza GT and Monza SS. 

The Chevrolet Astro I Experimental powered by a unique single overhead camshaft version of Chevy's Turbo-Air 6 boxer engine, with an increased bore and stroke, the engine reached 2.9 liters. (Picture from: GMAuthority)

However, there is some debate regarding whether this engine ever made it into the Astro I, with suggestions that it was confined to a test car, and the showcased model retained a standard Corvair boxer motor.

The Chevrolet Astro I Experimental also featured with a unique periscope rearview mirror on the roof provided a wide-angle view. (Picture from: GMAuthority)

Despite its groundbreaking design and performance, Chevrolet eventually abandoned the idea of producing a sports car based on the Corvair platform. Instead, the company redirected its sporting resources toward the development of the iconic Corvette and Camaro models.

Today, the Astro I Experimental resides in the GM Heritage Center, standing as a remarkable artifact alongside the Corvair Monza GT and Monza SS. This evolution in design thinking reflects a pivotal moment in automotive history when bold experimentation paved the way for the future of high-performance vehicles. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GMAUTHORITY | HEMMINGS | CONCEPTCARZ ]

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