fatherlarry
11-23-2004, 10:27 AM
Only two 1969 Corvettes were sold with the ZL-1 all aluminum 427 engine, making them one of the rarest collector Corvettes of all time. Note: Visit Roger's Corvette Center in Orlando, Florida, for a close-up look at an original 1969 ZL-1.
Corvette had its first all aluminum engine in 1969 as the ZL-1. It was not the first GM automobile to do so, however, being beaten by the Corvair in 1960 and the Buick 215 V8.
The first ZR1 performance package appeared in 1970 (not 1990, as some might believe) and included the 370 HP LT1 engine and a host of other performance items.
The rear view mirror in the 1974 Corvette was increased to a width of 10 inches.
The last true dual exhaust was installed in 1974. After that, all exhaust gases were channeld through a single catalytic converter.
1975 was the first year for a HEI distributor.
The convertible was discontinued after the 1975 model year and would not reappear again until 1986. GM cited declining sales for convertibles (only 4,629 units in '75) and safety concerns as reasons for killing the ragtops.
In 1982 fuel injection reappeared in the Corvette after a 17-year hiatus.
Due to stricter emissions standards, California Corvette buyers could not opt for the L82 engine in 1976.
For 1968, a factory installed anti-theft alarm system was available as an option, but less than 400 cars were so equipped.
T-top does not refer to the shape of the roof, but rather it is short for Targa Top. The original design was a pure Targa but body flex demanded the center bar, discovered late in the design.
Corvette had its first all aluminum engine in 1969 as the ZL-1. It was not the first GM automobile to do so, however, being beaten by the Corvair in 1960 and the Buick 215 V8.
The first ZR1 performance package appeared in 1970 (not 1990, as some might believe) and included the 370 HP LT1 engine and a host of other performance items.
The rear view mirror in the 1974 Corvette was increased to a width of 10 inches.
The last true dual exhaust was installed in 1974. After that, all exhaust gases were channeld through a single catalytic converter.
1975 was the first year for a HEI distributor.
The convertible was discontinued after the 1975 model year and would not reappear again until 1986. GM cited declining sales for convertibles (only 4,629 units in '75) and safety concerns as reasons for killing the ragtops.
In 1982 fuel injection reappeared in the Corvette after a 17-year hiatus.
Due to stricter emissions standards, California Corvette buyers could not opt for the L82 engine in 1976.
For 1968, a factory installed anti-theft alarm system was available as an option, but less than 400 cars were so equipped.
T-top does not refer to the shape of the roof, but rather it is short for Targa Top. The original design was a pure Targa but body flex demanded the center bar, discovered late in the design.