10 1984 Chevrolet Corvette Ramarro

Twenty years after the unveiling of the Corvair Testudo, Nuccio Bertone once again attempted to conquer the American market with a Chevroletbased concept. The Ramarro – named after a lizard – was based on the C4 Corvette and unveiled at the 1984 Los Angeles Auto Show.

As usual, the concept was not just about innovative form, but also technical experimentation. To get a low, wedge-like front end, the radiator and the air-con compressor were moved back, reducing the car’s overall length by some 33cm, while the unusual doors slid out and forwards.

The wedge-like profile was the work of Marc Deschamps, its glazed dome featuring concealed pillars and the interior comprising a bench seat wrapped in lizardskin-effect leather. The automatic transmission was controlled via a rotary knob on the dashboard, and the Ramarro was a fully working car fitted with experimental low-profile tyres from Michelin – huge 280/45 VR17S at the rear, and 240/45 VR17S up front.

Following its debut, the Ramarro hit the motor show circuit, and clinched an ’85 Car Design Award. Anorak fact Chevrolet provided Nuccio Bertone with a Corvette as a test car – the very C4 that was shown at the 1983 Geneva Salon