The Mystery Of The Turbo Corvette
A 1980 Chevrolet Corvette Turbo coupe recently crossed the block at what is undoubtedly most British-sounding event of all time, the Imperial War Museum Duxford Motor Car Auction. The Corvette was offered by H&H Auctions and had an estimated price of $18-$25,000 USD, but did not sell.
The car in question is a C3 ablaze with fantastically 1980s "TURBO" decals on both doors. Pictures of the engine bay show that yes, there is indeed a turbo hooked up to a 5.7-liter V8.
But.
Chevy never offered a turbo Corvette. The car's description says that "The limited edition model's creation involved the father of the Vette, Zora Arkus Duntov" and that it was made by American Custom Industries (ACI) in Sylvania, Ohio.
But.
The Duntov Turbo Corvette offered by ACI had a widebody kit, non-retractable square headlights, splashy Duntov decals on the fenders, and, probably the main point of identification, was a convertible.
To be clear: H&H in no way misrepresented this car. The respected company presented an interesting rarity, provided a complete description, and appropriately estimated the price.
But.
Just what in Zeus' name is a non-Duntov turbo Corvette?
Source: John Moroney, Motoring Research
Posted 1/25/19