Unleashing the Future: The 1969 Chevrolet Astro III

Mar 26, 2025

#Chevrolet #Featured

In 1969, Chevrolet unveiled the Astro III, a futuristic and experimental car that was ahead of its time. Resembling an executive jet aircraft, the Astro III was a sleek, two-passenger vehicle with a tricycle-type wheel arrangement. Its red and black fiberglass body tapered to a slim nose, giving it a unique and bold appearance on the road.

Designed for high-performance travel on restricted access highways of the future, the Astro III featured a power-actuated canopy that moved forward and upward for easy entrance and exit. The interior, reminiscent of an aircraft, was finished in black and featured specially contoured individual seats.

One of the most innovative features of the Astro III was its power-assisted pistol grip lever controls for steering the twin front wheels. Rear vision was provided by closed-circuit television, mounted on a console between the seats, adding to the vehicle's futuristic feel.

Powering the Astro III was the lightweight and powerful Model 250-C18 gas turbine engine, produced by the Allison Division of General Motors. Weighing only 139 pounds, this engine produced a whopping 317 net horsepower, making the Astro III a force to be reckoned with on the road.

While tricycle-type vehicles have been produced in the past, none have truly excelled in terms of handling. Chevrolet addressed this issue by carefully considering the placement of the center of gravity in the design of the Astro III. By reducing the distance between the front tires and lowering the center of gravity, Chevrolet was able to achieve both aerodynamic efficiency and dynamic stability in the Astro III.

Although the Astro III never made it into mass production, it remains a fascinating glimpse into the future of automotive design. With its innovative features and sleek design, the 1969 Chevrolet Astro III truly was a car ahead of its time.