1984 Chevrolet Ramarro

One of Nuccio Bertone's most stimulating ambitions was that of conquering the American market. In 1963 he had created the successful Testudo on the mechanics of the then very new Chevrolet Corvair, a revolutionary coupé which made him a focus for the attention of the international press and the American manufacturers. Twenty years later, Bertone began to explore the possibility of approaching the US market with the Ramarro, an exercise in applied technology around mass-produced mechanics. The prototype was created on the chassis of the well-known Chevrolet Corvette, and the underlying concept aimed to modify the layout of the mechanical components in order to make the most of the design quality. The radiator and air-conditioning were moved to the rear of the vehicle, and the doors opened by sliding forwards. The entirely glazed greenhouse was the final design touch which aimed to combine intentional aesthetics with the application of highly sophisticated technology. 33 cm shorter than the production Corvette, the Ramarro was judged to be an example of an industrial design of rare beauty.

It was officially presented in Los Angeles just before the Olympics and then went on tour round the Motor Shows of the world. A year later the Ramarro was given the Car Design Award by a jury composed of the most expert European and American specialised magazines. This recognition was awarded for "its bold ideas, worked into a design project which gives the Chevrolet Corvette an entirely new personality".

SOURCE: Bertone

Engine & performance:

Type: Chevrolet Corvette V8

Capacity: 5733 cc

Power: 208 hp @ 4200 rpm

Torque: 393 NM @ 2800 rpm

Top speed: 230 km/h

Dimensions:

Length: 4150 mm

Width: 1920 mm

Height: 1190 mm

Wheelbase: 2450 mm