At the 1967 New York Auto Show, the world got its very first glimpse at this extremely special car shown here, the 1967 Chevrolet Astro I XP-842. At the time, despite being a concept car by today’s definition, in the 1960’s, General Motors considered this to be what was called an “idea car”. One of the main areas of focus for this project was to develop a design that was not only attractive, but also extremely aerodynamic, which resulted in an extremely streamlined and unprecedented look for a Chevrolet, especially in the year 1967. The Astro I was developed using a custom frame with torsion bar suspension, paired with a Corvair drivetrain, giving it a unique blend of innovative engineering. The basis for the Astro I was formed from the XP777 Monza GT (chassis number 3), and the body is fiberglass that is finished in ‘Crimson-Flame’ acrylic pearl paintwork. The Astro I also features a fixed front section with an angular nose, while the roof and rear fenders lift via a hidden switch as well as disc brakes and active rear spoilers. The project as a whole was dreamed up by a team consisting of Roy Lonberger, a GM designer from 1965 to 1968, contributing during the peak years of GM Design under William Mitchell’s leadership, Lawrence Kiyoshi “Larry” Shinoda, an American automotive designer who was responsible co-developing the Astro I’s unique seating design. Today, the Astro I is believed to be located in the General Motors Heritage Center, 20 miles north of downtown Detroit. The Astro I remains a symbol of GM’s visionary approach to automotive design in the 1960s, highlighting the company’s willingness to experiment with new ideas that pushed the boundaries of both style and technology. As a true one-of-a-kind creation, the Astro I continues to captivate enthusiasts and collectors, standing as a testament to the pioneering spirit that shaped the future of automotive innovation.
How many made? 1
Engine: Corvair-based Air-cooled flat-six engine
Debut: 1967 New York Auto Show
Top Speed: n/a
0-60mph: n/a
Photo Credit: @lamblog
Research: @rarecarsonly
1967 Chevrolet Astro I XP-842
11.02.2025
Chevrolet