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The 789 Chevy Is One Cool Car

Imagine combining the great design features from three different classic Chevy models such as the 1957 Bel Air, 1958 Chevrolet Impala and the horizontal fins of a 1959 Chevrolet. Then wrap this contemporary body around a 2005-2007 Corvette C6 chassis. This is precisely what was done with a n2a Motors concept car called the 789.

Named for the three years symbolized in the overall design and instantly recognizable by old car buff around the world, the 789 is one cool car.

The nose of the 789 is represented by the familiar hood rockets, chrome hood V, grille bar, parking lights, rubber bumper tips and headlight bezel of a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. Just for an added flair, what looks like 1957 Chevy hood bar extensions wrap around the front fenders.

Rear treatment is a very close match to the spread wings and cat eye taillights of the 1959 Chevrolet’s slim line design styling including the placement of the license plate.

All along the side, stainless trim bear a resemblance to a 1958 Chevrolet Impala, right down to the placement of the Corvette crossed flags emblems. The 789 interior is similar to the tri-colored ribbed vinyls used in 1958 Chevy Impala luxury lounge interiors almost 50 years ago.

A 789 is well equipped with all of the standard equipment the 2005-2007 Corvette has to offer including 6.0L LS2 400 plus horsepower V8 engine and automatic or 6 speed manual transmission. In addition, each car includes a custom exhaust system and $2,000 custom wheel upgrade.

The challenge of creating a new automobile with 1950s design must have been difficult. However this 789 is beautiful and has just the right mix of styling from a Chevy era when just about everybody had one. Among the millions of cars Chevrolet has manufactured over its almost 100 year history this 789 concept car built by n2a Motors will one day become part of “The Heartbeat of America”.

View great images and additional information on the 789 Concept Car at Steven Farbers web site http://www.57classicchevy.com where you can find all the details of the 1957 Chevrolet plus view lots of seldom seen Vintage Chevy Advertising, images of body styles, body colors, interior colors plus engine specifications.


American Muscle Ford, Dodge And Chevy

Back during the 1950s through the mid 1970s, Detroit automakers produced several cars that were out and out “muscle” cars. These types of vehicles shared the same characteristics: they were two door coupes with souped up engines, responsive transmissions, an aggressive exterior design, and a sporty interior. High fuel prices and changing tastes eventually limited sales to the point where only a few models were produced beyond that period of time. Today, muscle car mania is back, despite even higher gas prices. Thanks to the Ford Mustang and to a lesser extent to sedan and wagon models from Dodge, there is new interest in a category long given up. The future is bright for the muscle car segment as one more manufacturer, Chevrolet, considers bringing back one of its darlings of yesteryear, the Camaro.

Besides the Ford Mustang there were a whole host of vehicles produced that at one time or another might have been considered a muscle car. In addition to the Mustang, the Ford Fairlane 500 and Ford Torino did duty the Mercury Montego was another model Chevrolet produced the Camaro and Corvette Pontiac the GTO, Firebird, and Tempest Olds the 442 American Motors’ had its Javelin Plymouth had the ‘Cuda, and Dodge produced the Challenger and the Charger. Today, only the Mustang and Corvette survives although the Dodge Charger has returned as a four door muscle car along with its sibling, the hot Dodge Magnum wagon.

Interestedly, it took Ford’s redoing of the Mustang for the 2005 model year to stir the current muscle car era craze. Styled after Mustangs built in the 1960s, the current Mustang embraces a retro look while incorporating contemporary technology. The result has been that the Mustang currently sells its entire 150,000 model capacity without incentives.

The Mustang has been inspiring DaimlerChrysler to go ahead with a retro cruiser of its own. The Dodge Challenger concept car, appearing at auto shows across the USA, has been a huge hit and Chrysler plans on bringing the V8 hemi powered model back in 2009. In addition, General Motors is considering giving its blessing on the Camaro, another car also making the rounds of the USA auto show circuit.

So, isn’t it silly to bring back such gas hogs? Back during the early 1970s, the then current crop of muscle cars averaged only 10-12 miles to the gallon around town and 15 or 16 miles per gallon on the highway. Thanks to computer technology and efficiency, even the Corvette returns a highly respectable 28 miles to the gallon the highway. So, although fuel mileage will certainly be lower than many other models, the new group of muscle cars will still better the previous generation cars with fuel mileage 80% or more above the cars from the 1970s.

Fortunately, we still live in a fairly free country and what the consumer wants, the consumer gets. So, V8 powered muscle cars mated to 6 speed manu-matic transmissions, with sport handling, bucket seats, and better fuel economy will likely appeal to many. No, they won’t be exact duplicates of yesterday’s muscle cars, but they will provide the nostalgia and power that motorists seek. I can’t wait!

Copyright 2006 – Matthew C. Keegan is a full time freelance writer covering the new cars as well as the classics. Visit his Gibson Exhaust parts including a Gibson Performance Exhaust system or quality Gibson Headers.

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