The 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, “Blue Devil,” prototype will be the first of the “Magnificent Eight” to head back to Detroit to begin the recovery process. As a victim of the Corvette sinkhole disaster, the Blue Devil is scheduled to return to Michigan after Labor Day, to be restored to its original form.

With all the tourism that the sinkhole attention has brought to the National Corvette Museum, many were beginning to wonder if the Magnificent Eight would see restoration. After the disaster, GM quickly came to the forefront and promised to restore the classic Vettes that were swallowed by the sinkhole. However, Corvette enthusiasts were growing concerned that the money from the tourism was outweighing the importance of preserving history. General Motors nor the National Corvette Museum have commented or released a timeline for the restoration of the Blue Devil – nor have they confirmed any plans for the remaining seven.

With no details or plans for the other seven, it is very likely the slightly damaged black 1962 Corvette will be a candidate for restoration and the next one up to visit Detroit. The 1984 Corvette PPG race car, the ’93 ZR1 Spyder prototype, and the 1.5 millionth Corvette produced could also be set for a visit to Detroit. With their significance being the preservation of Corvette history, it could prove to be worth the investment to bring these beauties back to life.

On the other end of the spectrum, things are not looking as good for the 2001 Mallett Hammer Corvette or the ’93 40th Anniversary edition Vette. Both appear to be too far gone, and most likely will be put to rest. Regardless of the decision to restore the Vettes or to lay them to rest, look for the Magnificent Eight to remain at the NCM in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

http://youtu.be/wRNBnrkaKQ8

Good news is the ball is now rolling, and one of the two cars loaned to the museum by GM, the Blue Devil, is now slated to go under the crafted knife and will rise again.