Photo: A.J. Mueller, Chevrolet

By now anybody concerned with Corvettes is well versed in the National Corvette Museum sinkhole tragedy, its progress as well as the unfortunate eight that took a plunge towards middle earth that night. Luckily several of these cars were marked for restoration.

The infamous “Blue Devil” is one such restoration which we happily saw drive out on the floor at SEMA Show 2014. The next car to begin its restoration process is the one millionth Corvette to ever be produced, a beautiful, white, 1992 convertible. That car was removed as carefully as possible, but it took quite a spill and the sinkhole apparently was no shallow hole.

Thanks to the Detroit Free Press we have some additional insight with the ’92. According to Dave Bolognino the Director of GM Design Fabrication, “Photographs don’t do the size and magnitude of the sinkhole justice. It was like looking into the Grand Canyon.” This may help to give us some idea of the sheer size of the hole and just how far the cars fell. That being said, Bolognino will be leading the restoration.

In discussing the one-millionth car, Dave Bolognino said, “The whole car’s going to have to come apart… we think it’ll take about six months, but really, it’ll be as long as it takes to get it right.” All of us at Corvette Online are happy to hear that somebody with such care an dedication will be handling this restoration as well, because from the look of the pictures, it is going to need it.

While we don’t know what the budget or expected expense is for the restoration, and think it rude to ask, it can’t be cheap, and judging from Bolognino’s comment, it seems like GM is prepared to make it right. “This is unlike normal collision repair where it’s about the bottom line.”

Bolognino said, “The seats are the one-millionth seats: We’re working to repair, not replace them.” The team at GM are going to try and apply this idea to as much of the car as possible, as Bolognino also mentioned, “We’re maintaining as many original parts as possible, even when it costs more.”

We think it is also pretty neat that they are willing to take the time to try and repair a lot of the parts, including the interior previously mentioned. It certainly would be easier and less time consuming to just replace the parts, but keeping as many of the car’s original parts on it really exemplifies their care.

It is unknown at this time as to the condition of the internals. While we wouldn’t expect this C4 to immediately fire upon removal from the hole as the “Blue Devil” did, it doesn’t look as there was too much intrusion into the engine compartment. Luckily, the same motor that puts out the horsepower we love, is also one tough piece, and we’re sure it’ll be fine after some TLC.

We are looking forward to seeing this car when fully refurbished and complete, back to its proud “one-millionth Corvette” self. Hopefully lightning will strike twice and we will get to see this car drive out for an unveiling at one of our next events!