Corvair Monza Design Studies

Eyes On Design at the General Motors Technical Center

Speaking of blowing doors off, linger for a few moments on a car with no doors; the Astro-I. We captured the car directly in front of the design building, where it drew its fair share of attention. The third Corvair design study to be built around a Jim Musser chassis, it is the most futuristic of all the Corvair concepts.

The Astro I is covered more extensively elsewhere on this website, and this page offers exclusive photos of the unique Corvair-powered vehicle.

The picture at the right focuses on two unique aspects of the Astro I; its steering yoke, and the roof mounted, triple element rear view mirror which provides the driver with a wide angle rear view.

Compare the height of the Astro I with the guy standing directly behind it. The canopy is not completely closed, and it barely reaches the man's waist. The car's overall height is 35.5 inches (90.17centimeters).

Corvair powered Astro I design study

Viewers of the car agree that the periscope-like rear view and side mirrors are essential to the Astro I. Without them, it would be difficult if not impossible to see rearward. A back-lite or rear window would be of little help due to the shallow angle of the canopy top. In this car, you can be followed but not easily identified.

Astro I (rear view)

Its design dates back to the '60s, but the Astro I would look right at home in a 21st Century movie. Are you a Hollywood producer in need of a perfect stunt machine to drive under a moving semi-trailer? Put your people on it. They'll have to convince its caretakers it will come to no harm!