Things We Bet You Didn’t Know About The One-Millionth Corvette
On July 2, 1992, General Motors celebrated the production of their One-Millionth Corvette. This was a major milestone for the manufacturing giant, as it showcased just how far the Corvette had come since its initial launch in 1953. During those early days, the Corvette was hardly the success that it had become by 1992. In fact, few expected the Corvette to weather the 1950s, let alone survive to the current day. The One-Millionth Corvette has sat proudly on display at the National Corvette Museum for the vast majority of its life, and has been viewed by an untold number of Corvette enthusiasts during this period. Even today, this iconic piece of Americana, serves as a testament to the engineering prowess and enthusiasm of all who have taken part in Corvette design throughout the decades. The following are 5 fun facts about the One-Millionth Corvette.
Original Paint and Interior Colors
As a tribute to days gone by, the One-Millionth Corvette featured identical paint and interior colors to those found on the original Corvette in 1953. The commemorative Corvette’s exterior was painted white, and it was fitted with a red interior, much like the Corvettes offered during the line’s 1953, 300-unit production run. The One-Millionth Corvette also received a black vinyl top.
Signed By Those Who Built It
The One-Millionth Corvette served as a point of pride for those employed at the General Motors Bowling Green Assembly, which had opened its doors approximately a decade prior. To commemorate this special occasion, all employees and personnel at the plant placed their signature on the One-Millionth Corvette as it came down the assembly line. After assembly was completed, the iconic Corvette was driven through an awaiting “1,000,000th Corvette” banner.
Displayed as Part of 40th Anniversary Tour
As many are well aware, the One-Millionth Corvette has spent the bulk of its life on display at the National Corvette Museum. However, before reaching its final destination, the prized GM artifact took a tour around the country, on a promotional basis. The commemorative Corvette was used as a centerpiece for a traveling exhibit, which promoted the line’s upcoming 40th anniversary. As part of this exhibit, the One-Millionth Corvette sat alongside its original 1953 counterpart.
The Godfather of the Corvette Took a Ride
Known by many as “The Godfather of the Corvette”, famed engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov was on hand for the festivities surrounding the One-Millionth Corvette’s unveiling. Duntov himself actually took a ride in the milestone Corvette, thereby celebrating the car that he had devoted so much of his life toward designing and refining.
A “Sinking” Feeling
The One-Millionth Corvette now carries the unfortunate distinction as being one of the eight Corvettes swallowed whole by the February 12th, 2014 NCM sinkhole collapse. The Corvette’s hood and front-fascia were among the car’s most heavily damaged components. Fortunately, GM deemed the iconic Corvette salvageable, and restorative efforts got underway. Nearly two years after its date with disaster, the newly restored One-Millionth Corvette was unveiled to the public.
