Rare 1982 Buick Grand National—The Only Year It Wasn't All Black

 

Summary

The 1982 Buick Grand National was the first Grand National, and it wasn't black—it came in charcoal gray and silver.

Buick's NASCAR success, including Richard Petty's 1981 Daytona 500 win, helped inspire the Grand National.

Only 215 were produced, plus one prototype, making the '82 GN extremely rare.

Most came with a 4.1L naturally aspirated V6 producing 125 hp, while roughly 20 received the 3.8L turbo V6 making 175 hp and 290 lb.-ft. of torque.

Cars were sent to Cars and Concepts in Auburn Hills, Michigan, for their Grand National upgrades.

Special features included F41 suspension, heavy-duty cooling, rally wheels, blacked-out trim, special badging, bucket seats, and unique Grand National gauges.

The '82 GN wasn't especially fast by today's standards, but it started the Grand National legacy that would lead to the legendary turbocharged '86–'87 models.

Finding a good original example is difficult due to rust, interior deterioration, and years of neglect.

There was no 1983 Grand National, making the 1982 model even more significant to collectors.

Don't Answer Without The Facts

Although almost everyone you ask will tell you there is no such thing as a true Buick Grand National that was not all "Black", the fact is, they'd be wrong! 

They might also tell you there's no such thing as an '82 Grand National, which would also be wrong! The first Grand National was actually born in 1982; it was charcoal grey and silver and has a pretty cool little story to it.

The Birth Of Something That Would Soon Become A Legend 

Back in 1981, Buick took to the main stage at NASCAR with their G-Body Regal. A few Regals made their debut in California at the Riverside International Raceway. But it was in Daytona, the second week of the season, where the tides changed for the Regal and set the way for Buick and the G-Bodies in NASCAR for quite a while. 

Richard Petty Wins Daytona 500 In A Regal

For a record-setting 7th time, Petty takes the checkered flag, but this time in a Buick Regal. This win broke a long drought of 16 years since someone drove across the finish line at a NASCAR event in a Buick. It was last done by Herb Thomas, who did it in 1955 in a '55 Buick Century. 

Record-Breaking Year For Buick In NASCAR 

Throughout the season, a Buick Regal would cross the finish line first in 22 out of 31 events with just five different Buick Drivers—Petty, Bobby Allison, Ron Bouchard, Cale Yarborough, and Darrell Waltrip. In the end, Waltrip would bring home the championship title for his team and Buick.

These efforts brought the NASCAR Manufacturing title home to the Flint, Michigan plant that had been pumping out those Regals since 1978. 

The new sporty image and the accomplishments at NASCAR that followed prompted Buick to take full advantage of the newfound "This Isn't Your Grandma's Car" image and run with it. 

In December 1981, Buick announced that a "Special Edition" Regal was going to be unveiled in the first week of the NASCAR season. This just so happened to be the first time the Daytona 500 would be set for the first race of the season, and it is now a staple in NASCAR racing to this day. The Daytona week is like the Super Bowl of NASCAR and prime time for anything special, especially for automotive manufacturers that want to show off something new. 

 

Buick And NASCAR Copyright Issues

Buick went ahead and already named their "Special Edition" Regal the "Grand National"; the only problem was that NASCAR already had the copyrights to the name—NASCAR Winston Cup Grand National Series—so NASCAR sued. After some legal wrangling, Buick kept the name but changed the nameplate to the recognizable one everyone knows today—a big turbo-6 on the right side of the emblem, the words "Grand National" stacked on top of each other, and a checkered flag on the left side of the emblem. 

Daytona 500 Week 1982

Now, whether or not the Grand National was ever actually unveiled at the 1st Daytona week, no one seems to really remember. Many think it never made it, largely because of the ongoing legal dispute with NASCAR, but regardless, the "Special Edition" prototype GN was done. 

Not only was the Grand National project moving forward for Buick, but on Feb 14, the day of the Daytona 500, 25 of 42 cars lined up as Buick Regals, and 7 of 10 of them were in the top 10 positions. The race ended just about the same way it started, with Allison winning in his Buick Regal, followed by three other drivers driving Buick Regals. The success continued for Buick throughout the season, and so did production on the Buick Grand National. 

1982 Buick Grand National: What Was Special 

Was the first Buick Grand National fast? By today's standards, not at all! In fact, most soccer Moms' crossovers would take the '82 Grand National out pretty easily. But in 1982, it's sad to say, this V6 would beat most factory V8s on the road, at the same time looking cooler than most of them.

When I say V6, you're probably thinking of the turbo 3.8-liter that Grand Nationals are known for, but this first GN was a little different. The '82 Grand National came with a 4.1-liter V6 that was naturally aspirated and fed by a 4-barrel Quadrajet carburetor. This fun combination would get you a whopping 125 horsepower and 205 lb.-ft. of torque. 

There were a few buyers out there that had inside information about the soon-to-be-famous 3.8-liter turbo engine combo and checked the right boxes on the order sheet. This combo would get the buyer 175 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque.

Heading Off For Special Treatment 

All soon-to-be Grand Nationals rolled off the assembly line as normal Buicks and then were shipped off to Cars and Concepts in Auburn Hills, MI, where they received their Grand National treatment. They were all done in Charcoal Grey exterior paint and grey interior, but weren't all based on the same Regal. Some base Buick Regals were sent to Cars and Concepts, but so were some Limited and Sport coupe Regals. So for a collector on the hunt for a legitimate one, there are a few different real options out there (do your research). 

1982 Buick "Grand National" Special Edition Upgrades  

• 215 made plus one prototype

• 4.1-liter V6 naturally aspirated or (roughly) 20 3.8-liter V6 turbocharged

• 125 horsepower (4.1) or 175 horsepower (3.8 turbo)

• 205 lb.-ft. of torque (4.1) or 290 (3.8 turbo) 

• Automatic transmission

• Heavy-duty engine and trans coolers

• 3.23:1 rear gear (4.1) or 3.03:01 (3.8)

• F41 Grand Touring Suspension

   

Cosmetic Upgrades

• Silver stripe in the middle of the charcoal grey paint (hand-laid), red pinstriping separating the colors (hand-laid) 
• Big Buick letters on the back quarter panels and on the back decklid lip

• Blacked-out grille and headlamp door covers
• Special Edition rally wheels w/Buick center caps
• Front bucket seats w/black leather inserts throughout the whole interior
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Center console w/shifter
• Special Grand National gauge cluster 
• Special Grand National badging on exterior and interior

It's hard to find these cars in good shape. One of the biggest problems they had was through the years, their lack of power left a lack of enthusiasm to keep them running and looking good. The usual rust invades the lower doors and quarter panels in the usual places, and their interiors are commonly faded and torn from sun damage due to T-tops (some had sunroofs instead).  

But these Grand Nationals can still be considered collector items thanks to their history and the lack of numbers produced. You could say they started a mid-to-late-'80s revolution of more desirable cars for the auto enthusiast, not to mention they paved the way for the '80s' most famous muscle car, the 1986 and '87 Grand National.   

How Expensive Were They?

The Grand Nationals weren't as expensive as buying a Corvette, but spending extra cheese on a Buick was something people didn't do much of since the muscle days. With a Regal sticker price of $8,702, you would have to cough up another $3,278 for the Grand National packages and about another $1,000 more if you ordered the turbo 3.8-liter version. With America in a recession at the time, that was a lot of money, and Buick's most expensive styling and performance package was one that it had ever sold. 

 

All in all, if you found one in good shape, it would be worth buying a 1982 Grand National just to preserve it. And if you found a 1983 Grand National, I have a bridge to sell you because there were no Grand Nationals made in '83. 

1965 Chevrolet Chevelle Z16 396: Putting Chevelle On The Muscle Car Map

 

Summary

• Production: Approximately 201 cars, including one prototype.

• Engine: 396-cubic-inch Mark IV Turbo-Jet V8.

• Horsepower: 375 hp at 5,600 rpm.

• Torque: 420 lb-ft at 3,600 rpm.

• Transmission: Muncie four-speed manual.

• Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive.

• Body style: Two-door hardtop.

• Performance: The 396 put the power that consumers wanted into a mid-size sedan

• Estimated collector value: Big-time auctions can see these cars in great condition go for around $200,000, with recent auction sales proving they're holding or increasing in value.

• Historical significance: The Z16 helped introduce Chevrolet's big-block performance power to the midsize Chevelle lineup.

Why Was It Time For The 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle To Bring Out The Big Guns?

During the 1960s, American automakers were competing to build vehicles that combined everyday practicality with the excitement of high-performance driving. Chevrolet entered the midsize market with the Chevelle in 1964, offering buyers a versatile alternative to larger full-size cars and smaller compact models.

The Chevelle was designed to appeal to a broad audience. Families could purchase a practical sedan or station wagon, while buyers seeking something sportier could choose a two-door coupe or convertible. A selection of six-cylinder and V8 engines also allowed customers to decide how much performance they wanted from their new Chevrolet.

However, the muscle car market was developing rapidly. Pontiac had already demonstrated the appeal of combining a midsize body with a powerful V8 through the GTO, and Chevrolet needed a compelling answer.

That answer arrived in 1965 with the Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu SS 396 Z16.

The Z16 was an extraordinarily rare performance package that combined a 375-horsepower big-block V8 with a four-speed manual transmission, upgraded suspension, improved braking hardware, and an unusually generous collection of comfort and convenience features.

With only approximately 201 examples commonly cited, the Z16 became one of the rarest factory-built Chevelles ever produced. More importantly, it helped establish the foundation for the 396-powered Chevelle SS models that followed in 1966.

The Z16 was not simply an ordinary Chevelle with a bigger engine. It was an early demonstration of what Chevrolet could accomplish when it combined midsize-car practicality with serious big-block performance.

Trim Options Were Key For The 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle

Chevrolet offered several Chevelle series in 1965, ranging from basic transportation to more upscale and performance-oriented models.

• Chevelle 300: The entry-level model, emphasizing affordability and practical transportation.

• Chevelle 300 Deluxe: Added trim and equipment over the base 300.

• Chevelle Malibu: A more upscale series available in several body styles.

• Chevelle Malibu SS: The sport-oriented model featuring distinctive SS styling, bucket seats, and other upgraded options.

• Chevelle Malibu SS 396 Z16: The rare, high-performance package featuring the 396-cubic-inch V8 and specialized chassis upgrades.

The Z16 was built around the Malibu SS sport coupe rather than an entirely separate body design. Its high-performance powertrain setup, performance chassis components, and extra upgraded equipment distinguished it from the other Chevelles in the lineup.

The Significance of the 396: The Powertrain That Started Chevelle's Muscle Dominance

The 1965 Chevelle offered several engine choices, including inline-six engines and small-block V8s. Depending on the configuration, buyers could select a 283-cubic-inch V8 or one of several 327-cubic-inch engines.

The high-performance 327 was already capable of producing as much as 350 horsepower in the appropriate configuration. However, Chevrolet's new big-block 396 brought a different level of torque and performance potential to the midsize platform.

The 396-Cubic-Inch Turbo-Jet V8

The Z16 received a specially specified 396-cubic-inch Mark IV Turbo-Jet V8 rated at 375 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. Its 11.0:1 compression ratio helped deliver the strong performance expected of a premium muscle car.

The Z16's L37 engine used hydraulic valve lifters, distinguishing it from the solid-lifter 396 configurations associated with other high-performance Chevrolet applications.

The engine was paired exclusively with a Muncie four-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive. Chevrolet also upgraded the chassis and braking systems to support the additional power.

These changes made the Z16 a complete performance package rather than an engine upgrade alone.

Why the 396 Was a Big Deal

The 396 represented an important shift in Chevrolet's midsize performance strategy. While the 327 small-block offered impressive power, the big-block delivered the substantial torque that enthusiasts increasingly wanted from American muscle cars.

The Z16 helped Chevrolet introduce this combination to the Chevelle lineup before the 396 became a central part of the 1966 Chevelle SS identity.

It also demonstrated that a midsize Chevrolet could compete with established muscle cars without requiring buyers to step up to a larger, heavier vehicle.

For Chevrolet enthusiasts, the Z16 represents an important link between the early performance Chevelles and the increasingly powerful muscle cars that followed during the late 1960s.

Exterior Styling: An Understated Muscle Car

The 1965 Chevelle featured clean body lines, a long hood, and balanced proportions that gave it a sporty appearance without sacrificing everyday usability. The Malibu SS added distinctive grille details, SS identification, bright trim, and sporty wheel covers.

The Z16 retained the familiar Chevelle silhouette but featured unique rear-end trim and specialized wheel and tire equipment. Its appearance was relatively restrained compared with some later muscle cars, allowing the big-block powertrain and limited production to define its character.

The car was offered in striking colors, including Crocus Yellow, Regal Red, and Tuxedo Black. A black vinyl roof was also available.

Its understated styling is part of the Z16's appeal today. It looks like a product of the muscle car era without relying on oversized graphics or exaggerated body modifications.

Exterior Styling: A Sleeping Muscle Car

The 1965 Chevelle featured clean body lines, a long hood, and balanced proportions that gave it a sporty appearance without sacrificing everyday usability. The Malibu SS added distinctive grille details, SS identification, bright trim, and sporty wheel covers.

The Z16 retained the familiar Chevelle silhouette but featured unique rear-end trim and specialized wheel and tire equipment. Its appearance was relatively restrained compared with some later muscle cars, allowing the big-block powertrain and limited production to define its character.

The car was offered in striking colors, including Crocus Yellow, Regal Red, and Tuxedo Black. A black vinyl roof was also available.

Its understated styling is part of the Z16's appeal today. It looks like a product of the muscle car era without relying on oversized graphics or exaggerated body modifications.

Comfortable, Practical Interior

The Z16 was not a stripped-down racing machine. Chevrolet equipped it with an extensive collection of convenience features, making it a relatively sophisticated performance car for 1965.

The interior included bucket seats, a center console, an in-dash tachometer, a 160-mph speedometer, and a wood-grain steering wheel. Power steering, power-assisted drum brakes, and radio equipment were also part of its extensive equipment package.

Other features included power windows, tinted glass, seat belts, and an instrument-panel pad. Interior colors included black, red, and white or ivory, depending on the particular car's specification.

This combination of performance and comfort made the Z16 appealing to buyers who wanted a powerful street car rather than a bare-bones competition vehicle.

Estimated Performance for 1965

With 375 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque, the 1965 Chevelle Z16 had the powertrain to deliver serious acceleration for its era. Its relatively compact midsize body, four-speed manual transmission, and rear-wheel-drive layout made it well suited to enthusiastic drivers.

Exact performance numbers from 1965 to today will vary.

As a general estimate, these are what the numbers should come close to:

• 0–60 mph: Approximately 6–7 seconds.

• Quarter-mile: Approximately 14–15 seconds.

• Quarter-mile trap speed: Potentially around 95–100 mph.

These are indicative estimates, not guaranteed factory specifications or verified results for every Z16. Traction, driver skill, weather, and the car's mechanical condition would and will influence actual performance.

The 396's strong torque was especially useful when accelerating through the gears. Rather than requiring extremely high engine speeds to produce useful power, the big-block delivered the kind of muscular response that helped define the American muscle car experience.

The Z16's upgraded suspension and braking hardware also mattered. Chevrolet recognized that adding horsepower was only part of the equation; the car needed the supporting components to manage that power on the road.

Muscle Car Competitors: How Did the Z16 Compare?

The Z16 arrived during a period when American manufacturers were competing to produce increasingly powerful midsize cars.

Pontiac GTO: The GTO helped establish the modern muscle car formula with its available 389-cubic-inch V8, sporty styling, and strong acceleration. It was one of the most important rivals in Chevrolet's effort to build a competitive midsize performance car.

Oldsmobile 4-4-2: Oldsmobile offered a performance-oriented midsize package with V8 power and chassis upgrades. It appealed to buyers who wanted a more understated alternative to some of the era's flashier performance cars.

Buick Skylark Gran Sport: Introduced for 1965, the Gran Sport combined Buick's midsize platform with a larger V8 and a more performance-focused character.

Ford Fairlane: Ford's Fairlane competed in the same general midsize market, with available V8 engines and performance-oriented configurations.

Plymouth Belvedere: Plymouth's midsize models provided another alternative for buyers interested in American V8 performance, as Chrysler continued expanding its muscle car offerings.

The Z16's greatest distinction was its combination of a powerful 396, extensive equipment, and extremely limited production. Unlike more widely available competitors, it was built in numbers that make surviving examples especially important to collectors.

Projected Worth Today: What Is a 1965 Chevelle Z16 Worth?

The 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle Z16 has moved well beyond the price range of an ordinary classic Chevelle. Its rarity, factory specifications, and historical significance place it among the most desirable early Chevrolet muscle cars.

Recent auction results provide useful benchmarks. Mecum Auctions reported sales of $203,500 for a Z16 at its Kissimmee event in January 2026. Another Z16 sold for $244,750 in May 2026, demonstrating the substantial prices that highly desirable examples can command. 

For a genuine Z16, a reasonable broad market discussion would place many desirable examples in the low-to-mid six-figure range, with exceptional, highly original, or expertly restored cars potentially reaching higher amounts. This is an indicative estimate rather than a formal appraisal or guarantee of future value.

Several factors can substantially affect a car's worth:

• Authenticity: Documentation establishing the car as a genuine factory Z16 is essential.

• Originality: Matching major components and retaining factory-correct equipment can increase desirability.

• Condition: Rust, previous damage, mechanical issues, and restoration quality affect value.

• Provenance: Original paperwork, ownership history, and documented restoration records can strengthen a car's appeal.

• Market conditions: Collector demand and auction competition influence the final selling price.

The distinction between a genuine Z16 and a standard Chevelle modified to resemble one is particularly important. Buyers considering a car at this price level should seek expert verification of its identity and history.

Although no classic car is guaranteed to appreciate, the Z16's limited production and historical importance give it a strong foundation in the collector market.

What the 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle Z16 Means in Today's Culture

Today, the 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle Z16 represents an important moment in American automotive history. It arrived before the muscle car movement reached its late-1960s peak, demonstrating how much performance Chevrolet could deliver in a midsize package.

Its significance goes beyond horsepower figures. The Z16 represents a period when automakers were experimenting with new combinations of engines, chassis engineering, comfort features, and everyday usability. Buyers wanted cars that could take them to work during the week and deliver an exciting driving experience on the weekend.

The Z16 helped establish the direction Chevrolet would take with its later SS 396 models, which became important names in the muscle car world.

For collectors, it offers something increasingly difficult to find: a rare, historically significant factory performance car with a documented place in Chevrolet's development. For enthusiasts, it is a reminder that the muscle car era was not defined solely by the most powerful or most famous models. Limited-production vehicles like the Z16 also played a major role in shaping the industry's direction.

Its rarity makes it an aspirational collector car, while its understated styling and big-block power continue to appeal to enthusiasts who appreciate the engineering and character of 1960s American automobiles.

The 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle Z16 may not be as widely recognized as some later Chevelle SS models, but its importance is difficult to overstate. It helped bring big-block performance to Chevrolet's midsize lineup and laid the groundwork for one of the most celebrated muscle car families in automotive history.

1992 Camaro RS That Never Made It Into Production

Rare '92 Camaro RS 

Summary

• Chevrolet originally planned a high-performance 1992 25th Anniversary Camaro RS featuring the B4C-RS police package.

• Only two prototypes were reportedly built before the project was canceled due to economic concerns and its projected $29,000 price tag.

• The planned Camaro featured a modified L98 V8, Corvette cylinder heads, a ZF six-speed transmission, performance exhaust, and upgraded suspension.

• With more than 300 horsepower, it was projected to run the quarter-mile in approximately 13.50 seconds at 104 mph.

• Chevrolet ultimately produced a more conventional 25th Anniversary Camaro RS, retaining the heritage stripes and anniversary emblems but dropping most of the performance upgrades.

• The fate of the two prototypes remains unknown, leaving enthusiasts to wonder whether this could have become one of the most collectible Camaros ever built.

When car enthusiasts, even die-hard Camaro fans, think of the 1992 25th Anniversary Heritage Camaro RS, they will probably think of the ordinary RS Camaro that came with racing stripes and unique 25th Anniversary emblems. The sad thing is they'll probably never know what it was supposed to be.

What was the 1992 25th Anniversary Heritage Camaro RS supposed to be?

The fastest Camaro that Chevrolet put into production.

The 1992 25th Anniversary Camaro That Never Was

The true 25th Anniversary Camaro was originally envisioned as a B4C-RS police-package Camaro that would be produced in limited numbers for the public. However, the idea was scrapped when the economy began to take a turn for the worse, prompting Chevrolet to focus on more affordable, fuel-efficient cars. As a result, the trend of underpowered sports cars that had characterized much of the 1980s continued into 1992, with the Camaro RS and Z28 offering relatively modest performance.

Two prototype RS Camaros were built with the B4C-RS package. Chevrolet was prepared to produce 602 of these Camaros before the project was ultimately canceled. The planned production run of 602 cars was intended to pay tribute to the number of Z28s built in 1967, the Camaro's inaugural model year.

Special Features the V8 RS Camaro Would Have Received:

• A specially prepared L98 engine

• A performance camshaft

• A specially designed intake system for improved airflow

• One-off tubular headers

• A three-inch exhaust system

• Corvette ported aluminum cylinder heads

• A ZF six-speed Corvette transmission

• A modified suspension designed to provide a softer ride and improved handling

• Modified front seats designed to hold occupants more securely

• 245/50ZR16 tires mounted on black, diamond-cut rims

This combination was reportedly capable of producing more than 300 horsepower, rocketing the Camaro through the quarter-mile in the 13.50-second range at 104 mph. That might not seem particularly impressive by today's standards, but in the early 1990s, those numbers would have made it quicker than many of the Corvettes, Firebirds, and Mustangs rolling off assembly lines at the time.

Another obstacle facing the Camaro RS police package was its projected price. At approximately $29,000, it would have been considerably more expensive than its competitors. Chevrolet ultimately decided to proceed with the 25th Anniversary Camaro but remove nearly all the performance upgrades, retaining only the heritage stripes and 25th Anniversary emblems.

With only two prototypes reportedly built, these cars would rank among the rarest Camaros in existence. Unfortunately, because they never entered production and remained prototypes, their rarity doesn't necessarily translate into significant monetary value.

Despite searching, I have yet to find a confirmed example of a 1992 25th Anniversary B4C-RS Camaro. My assumption is that they are either tucked away in a museum somewhere or that two different owners are driving around in these cars without realizing exactly what they have.

If these Camaros had made it into production, would they have become some of the most collectible Camaros of all time?

I guess we'll never know.

1969 Corvette Stingray "AstroVette" Apollo-Themed

  

Summary

NASA + Corvette: GM connected the Corvette brand with NASA astronauts through cars, publicity, and an executive lease program.

Three Special Corvettes: Apollo 12 astronauts Alan Bean, Pete Conrad Jr., and Richard Gordon Jr. received matching 1969 Riverside Gold Stingrays.

The AstroVette Look: The cars received distinctive black "wings," a white dividing stripe, and special red, white, and blue astronaut emblems.

Big-Block Power: The AstroVettes packed 427-cu.-in. big blocks, four-speed manuals, and 490 horsepower.

Only One Known Survivor: Alan Bean's AstroVette is the only one of the three known to still exist.

A Piece of Space History: The car was preserved and restored to its original appearance and has been displayed at major Corvette and NASA-related venues.

This Corvette you're looking at was built specifically for Astronaut Alan L. Bean. There were only two others made just like this one for two other astronauts, Richard Gordon Jr. and Charles "Pete" Conrad Jr. All three men were launched into orbit on the Apollo 12 mission, the second lunar mission to land on the Moon.

NASA and General Motors
GM President Ed Cole saw the potential of linking the NASA program to the GM brand for product growth. GM had already given astronaut Alan Shepard, the very first man to break his way into space, a new white 1962 Corvette with a custom space-age interior. GM had also done business with astronaut legends like Neil Armstrong and high-performance enthusiast Gus Grissom.

In the '60s and early '70s, NASA astronauts were like rock stars in America. Reaching the Moon before Russia was something America accomplished that helped bring a divided country together after the controversial Vietnam War.

Of course, it's hard to imagine GM giving away Corvettes, but Cole's decision to do so, according to his widow, Dollie (Chairman of the National Corvette Museum and Vice Chairman of the National Air & Space Museum), made sense to Cole.

"The astronauts were incredibly visible," she says. "And good publicity is good publicity."

But putting astronauts in Corvettes wasn't just about publicity.

"Who more worthy than guys who represent our country?" says Dollie. "They were literally risking their lives. Space travel today isn't 'ho-hum,' but people perceive it that way. There were so many unknowns then. The cars were a way of saying 'Thank you.'"

Executive GM Lease Program For NASA 

Eventually, GM would see big benefits from being affiliated with NASA, so they went ahead and started an executive lease program for NASA employees. If you qualified for the lease program, you could lease a GM vehicle for $1 for one year.

According to astronaut Alan Bean, most qualifying employees chose Corvettes, making it an interesting sight when you drove past the Space Center and looked into the parking lot.

Those Who Fly Together, Drive Together

All three astronauts who boarded the Lunar Module for the Apollo 12 mission were very close, and all were car guys in their own right. They became good friends with Jim Rathmann, a Chevrolet and Cadillac dealership owner who was also known for winning the 1960 Indy 500.

Jim's dealership was located in Melbourne, FL, and its close proximity to the Space Center is what helped develop the friendship between the three astronauts and others at NASA, including Neil Armstrong.

With "Pete" Conrad Jr., Gordon Jr., and Bean successfully completing the Apollo 12 mission, they decided they should get matching Corvettes with some special visual upgrades to distinguish them from the rest of the Corvette owners and lessees.

Rare Riverside Gold Corvette Color

It just so happened that in 1969, Corvette was offering a one-time-only Riverside Gold exterior color for the Stingray. The three astronauts joined forces with their friend and dealership owner, Jim Rathmann, who helped get all three gold Corvettes to his dealership.

No one really knows where the black "wings" were painted over the Riverside Gold base paint, but it wasn't at the factory or Rathmann's dealership. As the story goes, the three astronauts took a lot of time deciding what design they wanted before settling on the black "wings."

Rathmann decided to get his friend involved, Alex Tremulis. Tremulis was an industrial designer who held automotive design positions at Cord Automobile, Duesenberg, General Motors, Tucker Car Corporation, and Ford Motor Company before later establishing a consulting firm.

Tremulis and Rathmann both had a hands-on part in the design. Rathmann placed the white stripe that separates the black and gold colors, while Tremulis designed and painted the special red, white, and blue logos on the fenders.

The Special Red, White, and Blue Emblems and The Meaning

The red, white, and blue emblems represent what you would think: America, the American flag, and NASA. Each emblem had a different set of initials drawn on a certain color of the emblem, representing the Corvette owner's rank during the Apollo 12 mission.

Bean's LMP initials were placed on the blue tag, signifying him as the Lunar Module Pilot. Pete's initials, CDR, were on the red tag of the emblem, standing for Commander. Dick's initials, CMP, for Command Module Pilot, were drawn on the white tag.

The colors the initials were painted on also represented the color each astronaut used to label his belongings during the Apollo 12 mission.

Corvette "AstroVette" Spec.

• 427 cu.-in. Big Block L36 

• 4-Speed Manual Transmission

• 490 Horsepower - 460 lb.-ft. of Torque

• Four-Barrel Rochester Carburetor

• Hydraulic Four-Wheel Disc Brakes

• Fully Independent Suspension

• Optional Side Exhaust Selected But Not Installed

• Performance: 0-60 mph 6.0 Seconds; Quarter-Mile 14.3 at 93 MPH

• One-Year-Only Riverside Gold

• Special Steel Wheel Covers

• Curb Weight: 3,450 lbs.

Where Are The Iconic "AstroVette" Stingrays Now?

Out of the three 1969 Stingray "AstroVette" Corvettes that were delivered to the Rathmann dealership for the crew of the Apollo 12 mission, only one is known to exist.

Alan Bean's Corvette is the last AstroVette known to exist. It was turned in after the $1, one-year lease was up. In 1971, it showed up in Austin, TX, on a GMAC car lot. It went up for auction, where a space enthusiast named Danny Reed put in a bid. He initially lost the auction, but the original winner couldn't come up with the money, and Danny eventually won the "AstroVette."

Making the "AstroVette" Perfect

The Stingray "AstroVette" was put on track to be restored to its original state to preserve its integrity, which meant no full restoration. Danny Reed worked with many Corvette experts throughout the process to get it back to its original look—the way it would have looked when it came right off the assembly line, with overspray in the correct spots and everything.

The National Corvette Restoration Society (NCRS) has given it many awards at some of the most prestigious Corvette car shows in the world.

It has been on display at NASA events, the National Corvette Museum, the Kansas Cosmosphere, Florida Space Center, Johnson Space Center, Houston Space Center, in Washington, and many other worthy places.

Alan Bean has since been reunited many times with his now-famous "AstroVette." Bean became a painter after his days of walking on the Moon. Much of his painting work has to do with space and his moonwalking, as he wrote:

"Our time on the Moon ended much too quickly and, in the years since then, I have created paintings to try to capture the feeling of our Apollo 12 mission, as well as all the other Apollo missions, too. It's my hope that these paintings will help other people share in the great adventure."

How to Tell If You Found One of The Lost "AstroVette" Stingrays?

Just like all rare cars, there are some imposters out there, but there is a way to tell if you found a real "AstroVette."

Only these three Corvettes in the lease program were special-ordered and registered in the lessee's name. This featured Corvette has a tank sticker that says, "Courtesy car delivered to Alan L. Bean." If found, the other two would have a similar tank sticker with the corresponding astronaut's name—Richard Gordon Jr. or Charles "Pete" Conrad Jr.

All other Corvettes for the NASA executive lease program were put in the military's name.

There is nothing like a little Corvette and NASA history! The $1, one-year executive lease program for the astronauts ended in 1971. Whether or not it was because the Space Program became less popular and the executive lease program was less worthwhile from an advertising standpoint, I'm not sure.

But there was a time for a while when being an astronaut was better than being a Hollywood star or a pro athlete.