Roscobbc
Moderator
One thing some Corvette owners may not realise is that the most aerodynamic 'early' Corvette is not perhaps the most obvious choice, the C3......but the C2!
Reality was that the C3 Vette was designed more to 'look' aerodynamic rather than to actually be 'aerodynamic'. IMHO is certainly achieved the required aerodynamic 'look', but with a CD factor slightly higher than the previous C2 model. Strange but true.
The shortcomings of the earlier C3's were adressed in later cars, especially the final models. Ask any early Corvette owner who has been 'brave' (or 'foolhardy') enough to attempt high speeds - the gradual feeling of disconnection of the front-end and effectiveness of any steering effort on the road surface due to front-end lift as one accelerates at 110/115mph through 120 and 130/135 and higher is VERY noticable......presumably corrected on later cars with their air-dam front spoilers. This old Motor Trend article, 'Cracking The Salt' in a Gale Band modifiedearly C3 speedster highlights the issues and makes interesting reading. 1968 Chevrolet Sundowner Corvette - Cracking The Salt
Reality was that the C3 Vette was designed more to 'look' aerodynamic rather than to actually be 'aerodynamic'. IMHO is certainly achieved the required aerodynamic 'look', but with a CD factor slightly higher than the previous C2 model. Strange but true.
The shortcomings of the earlier C3's were adressed in later cars, especially the final models. Ask any early Corvette owner who has been 'brave' (or 'foolhardy') enough to attempt high speeds - the gradual feeling of disconnection of the front-end and effectiveness of any steering effort on the road surface due to front-end lift as one accelerates at 110/115mph through 120 and 130/135 and higher is VERY noticable......presumably corrected on later cars with their air-dam front spoilers. This old Motor Trend article, 'Cracking The Salt' in a Gale Band modifiedearly C3 speedster highlights the issues and makes interesting reading. 1968 Chevrolet Sundowner Corvette - Cracking The Salt