Designed and built under the personal supervision of William (Bill) Mitchell, the wild-looking XP-700 used many regular Corvette components, such as the frame, chassis parts and engine. The fiberglass body was extensively redesigned with a ‘grand prix’ appearance. The long, low front overhang, large air scoops, exposed frontal areas and wire wheels with racing hubs were a few of the ‘grand prix’ touches. The bubble-shaped laminated plastic canopy – coated with vaporized aluminum to help block the sun’s rays – was one of the most memorable features of the car. A metal strut in the center of the canopy featured louvered vents, which enhanced circulation in the passenger compartment. Among the more exotic concepts: An overhead mirror, mounted above the windshield with a viewing porthole in the roof structure. The rear end styling influenced the second generation Corvette models.
First shown in 1959, the Chevrolet XP-700 was revised in 1960 with a longer and smaller grille, extended tail and double bubble plastic roof, complete with a periscope rear-view mirror. The transparent canopy was like a one-way mirror, passengers could see out, but outsiders would see their own reflections. Originally painted red, the version that appeared during the 1961 Chicago Auto Show was finished in pearlescent silver, which matched the silver cockpit. The exposed side pipes were retained from the 1959 version, as was the rear wraparound bodylines that predicted the design used on the 1961-1962 production Corvette.
Source: www.gmphotostore.com; www.chicagoautoshow.com