What would a midyear be like today?

[Classicvette63]

The inflation thread got me thinking. What would a midyear be like if The General used today's technology to build one? How light would it be? 2500lbs? Less? A computer controlled aluminum 327 or 427 without smog equipment.:eek I guess they would have to do some work on the aerodynamics unless they wanted the thing to be made by Boeing.:L Classic

 

[Chainshot]

The retro craze is happening ! Ford is coming out with the GT 40. Around $125,000 though and very limited numbers. I think GM is too stuff shirted to do something like that. Chrysler seems to be pretty cool with the idea, as well.

Wouldn't it be great if they did !

 

[67HEAVEN]

Well GM is heading along the retro trail with the new SSR. Interesting vehicle. I'll be interested to see the level of acceptance.

As far as a midyear built for today's world, the number one irritant for me has always been the wheelwell limitations.

I cut mine up for the first time over 33 years ago and I'm doing it again. The first time I used the only flares that I could find......now I've found entire new fenders that allow for some serious rubber "inside" the wheelwells.

Everything else about the cars is fine by me....(okay maybe front end lift at high speed is a problem too)......God I love these cars.

When my project is finally done, I'll be sleeping with it in the garage.

 

[IH2LOSE]

I think the new C6 might be close to the midyear size. I love the new retro style mustang they came out with if GM did that I would buy another vette in a heart beat

 

[Classicvette63]

Actually, the car I was thinking about couldn't be built by GM or any other maker nowadays. The gov't wouldn't let a car like that even come close to making it to the streets. Too bad though. Classic

 

[Mac]

Some guys don't have much good to say about retro-styled cars- as if building a newer version of a classic in some way degrades or devalues the original. Nonsense! The chief advantage of retro-styles is that the company has the opportunity to correct all those niggling details which dogged the originals (ie: wheel wells) and add all the updated technologies of the day.

Imagine a midyear which was lighter, handled better, more dependable, gets better mileage, faster, you name it. Would it sell? Damn straight! I would think the biggest concern would be stealing market share from the C5.

If GM builds a retro-musclecar, I'm willing to bet it wouldn't be a Vette- it would be a Camaro/Firebird or maybe even a Chevelle. Improvements in unibody construction are innumerable and the first bodystyle has a solid collector base and still generates interest.

Ford's biggest venture into retro was a safe bet. There is no Thunderbird to lose marketshare. Ford has a good idea by restricting the quantity. Talk about a way to guarantee your retro-design will become collectible!!