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The Chevrolet Corvette

The strangest stories are circulating about the Chevrolet Corvette in this world. We have a number - the most important? - organised.

The Corvette was named after a handy and manoeuvrable war ship. The name was coined by Myron Scott, an American photographer, who is also seen as the inventor of the Soap Box Derby Races. So soapboxes. Those were the days ... It was decided after the war to launch a sporty-looking Chevrolet; General Motors designer Harvey Earl was commissioned for this. The clay model was approved by the management in 1952. The car had a polyester body, a heavy-duty chassis and all the parts that were used in other series models. The first copy was made in a corner of the Chevrolet factory in Flint, Michigan. To gauge whether the public agreed, this copy went on a journey with the GM mobile car show, called "Motorama." A complete mobile car show that visited a number of large cities at the beginning of the year to introduce the public to the GM models. In addition, a number of experimental models went along every year to test the reactions of the public. The entire show - scenery and cars - was transported in trucks and every time 1954-Chevrolet-Corvette-Nomad Conceptcompletely assembled in lounges of hotels and or other exhibition rooms. In January 1953, the public was introduced to the Corvette for the first time during the show in the hall of the famous and super-luxurious Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York. The responses were overwhelming. So GM decided to start the production of the Corvette that same year. The uniqueness of the Corvette was - and still is - the polyester coach. The first - driving - copy was built on 30 June 1953 and was equipped with 3,8 liter 'Blue Flame' 6 cylinder in line engine with a capacity of 150 hp. Because all Corvettes were made by hand and the production of a car with a plastic body was actually at an experimental stage, only 300 pieces were manufactured in that year. The price was $ 3.734, twice as much as a regular Chevrolet. Accessories (…) like a heater cost $ 91 extra; an additional $ 145 had to be paid for an AM radio. All - only 300 - Corvettes from 1953 were white with a red interior ... Only in mid-1955 could a 195 horsepower V8 engine with a capacity of 4,3 liters be chosen. The buyer had apparently waited for that, because 90 percent ordered the Corvette with V8 engine. The following year it was only available with a V8 and that has not changed to this day. Although the sales figures, especially in the beginning, lagged far behind expectations, the car appeared in no less than 1.434 TV shows and films and not only became an American icon as a result. Ed Cole, the big boss of General Motors, gave Alan Shepard, the first American in space on his return to Earth, a Corvette as a gift in 1962. And that gesture was immediately exploited by coordinating an entire marketing strategy with it "American astronauts and their Corvettes'.

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The December issue, containing:

  • Alfa Romeo Giulia 1300 Super
    Erik van Putten explores the timeless charm of the Alfa Romeo Giulia 1300 Super, with images of Bart Spijker and himself. The story delves into the world of Alfaenthusiast Koen de Groot, whose family is deeply rooted in the Alfa Romeo culture. Koens' special relationship with his Giulia, a car he has cherished for years and which will soon receive an impressive upgrade, is highlighted. The Giulia symbolizes car love and heritage, a passion enriched by Koen's father Frans, a Alfa Romeo expert and enthusiast.
  • Double Used Type Designations
    Peter Ecury unravels fascinating stories from the automotive world in the 32nd episode of his series on double-used type designations. This edition provides an update on the rumors surrounding Peugeot and Porsche and delves into the history of the type designation '142', used by brands such as Volvo and Austin. Ecury also discusses the evolution of the term 'GT' and the controversial use of the letters 'SS' in car names after WWII, with examples such as the Chevrolet Impala SS and the Alfa Romeo Giulietta SS.
  • Ducati 750GT, 860GT and 900GTS
    Hans Smid highlights the Ducati round carts, produced from 1972 to 1974, which combine minimalist beauty with unique technology. This article describes Ducati's drive for innovation and the creation of these models, highlights the challenges and costs of collecting them, and shows Ducati's journey from near ruin to iconic status.
  • Horex Imperator
    Marina Block tells the story of the Horex Imperator, an iconic motorcycle from the 50s, known for its sportiness and advanced technology. Despite the closure of the factories, Horex remained known, partly due to the cartoon character Werner and recent reissues. The Imperator, with its innovative parallel twin and overhead camshaft, inspired later designs and has been praised for its quality and design, despite limited sales success.
  • ClassicPost
    Readers of Auto Motor Klassiek share their discoveries and experiences. Eddy Joustra discovers a Peugeot 203 pickup in Heerenveen, while Robert Reessink photographs a unique Moto Guzzi moped in Italy. Stories range from Chris van Haarlem's Scottish scooter adventures to Bram Drooger's discovery of a Rolls-Royce Corniche and two FIAT 850s. Ben de Man finds a special Chevrolet Step-Van in the Netherlands, and readers share corrections and additions to previously published articles.
  • Nissan Silvia 1.8 Turbo
    Aart van der Haagen reveals the history of a rare Nissan Silvia 1.8 Turbo, originally registered as a commercial vehicle. The first owner transformed the car into a family-friendly vehicle, and Jan Manenschijn now cherishes this unrestored gem with only 67.000 kilometers on the odometer.
  • Peugeot 205 collection Team VCC Twente
    Aart van der Haagen highlights Team VCC Twente's collecting passion for Peugeot 205 models. Brothers Peter and Niek Olde Veldhuis collected unique examples such as the GTI and CTI, and even a rare 1.9 GTI Dimma. Their collection shows the transformation of a once ordinary model into a special classic.
  • Volvo and Classic Cars
    Alain Pondman from Volvo Lotte speaks about the true value of classic cars. He criticizes the trend of cheap, poorly maintained classics on Marktplaats, emphasizes the importance of making memories with vintage cars, and advises buyers to invest in quality and durability.
  • Volkswagen Beetle 1955 - Second life
    Max de Krijger tells the story of Hendrik Jan Hofman, a passionate Kever restorer. Hofman brought a badly damaged 1955 Beetle back to life with a dedication to perfection and detail. This green Beetle, complete with handmade high chair and open roof, reflects his craftsmanship. Hofman is now considering selling the Beetle to focus on a new project.
  • ClassicPost
    In the KlassiekerPost section of Auto Motor Klassiek enthusiastic readers share their unique finds and personal experiences. Eddy Joustra comes across a rare Peugeot 203 pickup in Heerenveen. Robert Reessink captures a unique Moto Guzzi moped on camera in Italy. Chris van Haarlem shares his Scottish scooter adventures, including an unexpected encounter with an Austin A30 on the Isle of Skye. Bram Drooger spots an elegant Rolls-Royce Corniche and two FIAT 850s. Ben de Man discovers a special Chevrolet Step-Van in the Netherlands. This section illustrates the diversity and deep-rooted passion of classic car and motorcycle enthusiasts, with stories ranging from local discoveries to international treasures. In addition, readers provide valuable corrections and additions to previously published articles, such as PBTM Matthijssen's input on the Ardie/Dürkopp Dianette, which contributes to the rich and versatile content of the magazine.
  • Once again almost twenty pages of short messages about everything that has to do with classics
  • And of course our section 'Classics' where you can shop around in search of your next classic.

The perfect reading material for an evening or more of undisturbed dreaming. It is now in stores. A subscription is of course better, because then you will no longer miss a number and you are also much cheaper. Not bad in these expensive times.

Just a few nice weekend tips: from Leek to Aalsmeer

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