Why does the Corvette hood open backwards ?
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,741
Likes: 262
From: Central Wisconsin
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,948
Likes: 72
From: Oxford MA-----You just lost the game!!!!
I don't see what all the fuss is about. The answer to this question is very simple: The hood on a Corvette opens the way it does because Zora Duntov wanted it that way. Next question?
Scott
Scott
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 12,239
Likes: 19
From: Chino CA
I was wondering if there was a legitimate engineering reason or something else maybe.....
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!
Michael S. Palmer
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!
Joe Kucinski
7 Bolt-On Upgrades From Extreme Online Store to Level Up Your C6 Corvette
Pouria Savadkouei
Pro
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 715
Likes: 21
From: Ontario California
Corvette engineers REALLY got it right on the C4. It opens towards the front...AND gives complete accessibility to the engine, front suspension and anything else you need to work on in that area
Plus it has a very high "cool factor"
Plus it has a very high "cool factor"
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,071
Likes: 147
From: S Nevada
My guess would be the influence European cars had on design. Sports cars were just built that way. Look at today's automotive styling, they all copy each others trends.
The benefits of the rear opening probably were considered as well.
The benefits of the rear opening probably were considered as well.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,239
Likes: 786
From: Redondo Beach, California
I once drove one of my C3's with the hood unknowlingly unlatched. Air pressure caused it to raise up about a foot in front of the windshield wiper door. It just stayed levitated in that position. No big control problem seeing ahead. I suppose you could pop it open while driving with a severe heating problem. Rapid braking might cause it to move forward and latch however in the full upright position. .
Last edited by 68/70Vette; Jun 27, 2013 at 10:48 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Cruising
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 14
Likes: 2
From: Fayetteville NC
My belief is it (the hood) was a sign of the times in the high end sports car market (Porsche 356, Ferrari 225 Sport Berlinetta, Alfa Romeo, and Fiat V8). Let’s face it, Chevy was trying to wiggle into this niche and they did a damn good job! I think it was just a good business decision. “Make a product which resembles the competition at a better price. Hell, Hyundai is trying it every day!
Last edited by reefdiver; Jun 25, 2013 at 01:59 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 216
Likes: 0
From: Eugene OR
My $.02....
One of the things I've noticed is that the C3 was designed by engineers for engineers more than any other common American car of its era. If you consider the bend-over length of the 'header panel', the mildly lighter hinges for front-open (no springs) and the fact that you can pop it while driving or after stopping for extra cooling... It just seems like an engineer-y thing to do.
One of the things I've noticed is that the C3 was designed by engineers for engineers more than any other common American car of its era. If you consider the bend-over length of the 'header panel', the mildly lighter hinges for front-open (no springs) and the fact that you can pop it while driving or after stopping for extra cooling... It just seems like an engineer-y thing to do.
Last edited by Schaggy; Jun 26, 2013 at 05:16 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 161
Likes: 0
It is not always the case, but the basic rule of thumb is:
Is the hood blended into the body where there is a body in front of it, if so, it opens backwards.
If the hood is the leading edge of the car, it opens what we call normal.
I hope I explained that well enough for you to understand
Is the hood blended into the body where there is a body in front of it, if so, it opens backwards.
If the hood is the leading edge of the car, it opens what we call normal.
I hope I explained that well enough for you to understand