Back in 1960, a man by the name of Edward Cole, was set as the head of the design department for the 1963 Corvette. And when entrusted with the design direction, he was pleased with the uncompromising dedication to performance and world-class sporting intentions from the two seat coupe. Yet for its promise, sales were far behind the Ford Thunderbird, the cross-town rival at the time. Possibly for its extra set of seats.
Cole thought that perhaps the best way to stay relevant was to aim its sights square at the Thunderbird, and option the ‘Vette as a four-seat sports-car. The concept was called the XP-796.
With free reigns and corporate backing his team set off to work, lengthening the Sting Ray by about 10 inches, of course adding in a pair of extra seats, raising the roofline and stretching the split window descent angle significantly. And while Cole continue to insist on the vehicle, legendary Corvette engineering head Zora Arkus-Duntov and other executives were against the development. Eventually, all support dissolved, and the XP-796 was sent to the crusher, according the VetteWeb.com.
Fast-forward 51 years, and a four-seat Corvette remains a heated topic. And to get a fresh take, how do you feel today about a 2+2 version of the American icon?
Comments
The next evolution? It would have to be done exactly right. Perhaps wider than the current C7.
The Corvette is not a 2+2 car. If GM wants 2+2 use the Camaro or build it on a sub Alpha platform.
Anyone remember the 4 door Corvette conversations from 1978-79. They even made a model kit of them. What a tragic mess.
You know, somethings should never be changed… I recall as a young child the 1956 and 1957 Thunderbird and how beautiful and totally cool I thought it was. Then, in 1958 they changed it to this ugly tank of a beast that destroyed the whole concept of the vehicle. Sure, sales may have gone up and they may have changed it to a “Family Sports car,” but as far as I was concerned they went from a potential iconic sports car to another family car and that’s when the T-Bird dead.
The mere thought of GM even considering changing the Corvette to a four-seater or 2+2 sends chills up and down my spine. “If it ain’t broke, then don’t fix it!” The new C7 sales speak for themselves and Scott was right regarding the Camaro, but don’t mess with the Corvette. GM has the Camaro and Ford has the Mustang to do that with. In fact, as far as I’m concerned, they can come out with a Camaro or Mustang 8 or 9 passenger SUV next…… But, don’t turn an American Icon into something it’s not…
Sure, if it looks good and sells, why not?!