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The "Asteroid" started life as a 1963 Chevy Corvette.  It was ordered by mechanical engineer and renowned mid-century speed boat racer Bob Nordskog, sans any exterior paint save for a primer coat.  Instead, the car was shipped directed to Barris Kustoms with instructions for Barris to transform the brand-new Corvette into a more radical version of itself.
1963 5.4L 327CI Engine in open hood of C2 Corvette
The 327CI small-block V8 was available to consumers in several distinct configurations, all of which produced varying degrees of output. Available in both carbureted and fuel injected forms, the 327CI small-block proved capable of producing anywhere from 250-360 horsepower, depending upon one’s choice of engine code.
1967 L68 427CI engine in open hood of white C2 Corvette
By the 1960s the Corvette was beginning to hit its stride, especially in terms of performance. While the GM small-block reigned supreme initially, the 1960s would see the rise of the high-displacement big-block, complete with 400-plus horsepower. This was on par with the times, as the horsepower wars of the muscle car era were in full swing. This resulted in several extremely memorable power plants.
Exposed 1964 L76 engine sitting in blue Corvette with hood open
The 265 cubic-inch small-block served as the jumping-off point for further engine development. Chevrolet spent the following decade perfecting their earlier small-block, which eventually grew in displacement and became a testbed for early fuel injection technology. Further progress was made in 1964, with the release of the L76 V8. This potent small block proved quite reliable while dishing out more than enough horsepower.
Close-up of 1964 Corvette L84 engine
In under a decade, GM’s small-block received a substantial boost in displacement while also becoming the standard-bearer for several new internal developments in engine technology. These developments ultimately produced a new crop of small-block powerplants based on Chevrolet’s new 327 cubic-inch engine platform. Of the four 327 cubic-inch small blocks available in 1964, none topped the output of the fuel-injected L84 V8.
The Corvette Rondine concept was built by Pinanfarina and introduced at the 1963 Paris Motor Show. The car started life as a 1963 split-window Corvette, which is all the more unusual because Chevrolet introduced the split-window coupe at the same time that Pinanfarina was introducing a custom-built Corvette based on that very same platform.
1967 Corvette Sales Brochures
Download this 1967 Corvette Dealers Sales Brochure for a quick look at the features of the car. When sports car enthusiasts talk about Corvette, certain words, like "individual," crop up often. That's because both the Sting Ray Sport Coupe and Convertible possess a rareness...
1966 Corvette Sales Brochures
Download this 1966 Corvette Dealers Sales Brochure for a quick look at the features of the car. The 1966 Corvette Sting Ray by Chevrolet. Color and fabric selector. Tuxedo black, Ermine white, Rally Red, Nassau Blue, Laguna Blue, Trophy Blue, Sunfire Yellow...
1965 Corvette Sales Brochures
Download this 1965 Corvette Dealers Sales Brochure for a quick look at the features of the car. We think it's unwise to just tinker with an American classic like the Corvette Sting Ray. Changes should be meaningful. This fine road machine was and still is America's only...
1964 Corvette Sales Brochures
Download this 1964 Corvette Dealers Sales Brochure for a quick look at the features of the car. The best way to describe the '64 Corvette Sting Ray: a sports car with a dual personality. Last year's classic was dubbed a designers coup for the way it fused celebrated ...
1963 Corvette Sales Brochures
Download this 1963 Corvette Dealers Sales Brochure for a quick look at the features of the car. New grace and elegance silhouette America's sports car. Corvette steps out smartly with an exhilarating new look for '63. A freshly elegant look that promises to lift the spirits...