Before men grow up and get their first "big boy toy" (hopefully a souped-up Chevy), they're exposed to the unique bond of superheroes and cars via the most popular genre of reading for youngsters, the comic book. Some never outgrow comic books, and children of ALL ages love flocking to the theater for the latest Marvel blockbuster.
Recently, at the 2014 Chicago Auto Show, Chevy displayed the "Black Widow" Corvette Stingray to be featured in the next installment of Marvel's cinematic "Avengers" saga, "Captain America: The Winter Soldier", which is to be released April 4, 2014. We decided to do our research and unearth what other superhero cameos Chevrolet has made on the big and small screens.
Transformers - Bumblebee
Who DOESN'T love Bumblebee, the witty transformer that you just want to hug? And who doesn't love the sleek and powerful Camaro he transforms into? The answer to these questions is: no one! That's why Chevrolet made available to the public the Special Edition Transformers 2012 Camaro, in conjunction with the second installment of the Transformers movie saga, "Transformers: Dark of the Moon". Bumblebee debuted in the first film (2007) as a beat-up 1977 Camaro, and then upfitted himself in the same film as the 2006 Concept Camaro.
The Camaro made such an impression among movie-goers and car-lovers alike that for the 2012 model year, Chevrolet released the Transformers Special Edition Option Package for the 2LT and 2SS Coupe model Camaros. Different features of the 2014 Camaro concept that was used to film the lastest sequel, "Transformers 4: Age of Extinction" (coming to theaters June 27, 2014) are rumored to be possibly included in the 2015 or 2016 models. Director Michael Bay called the Camaro concept "the final jewel in the Transformers 4 crown."
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. - Lola
Marvel's ABC series, "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.", first aired September 24, 2013. The pilot episode showcased a shiny classic 1962 Corvette. One of the main characters, Agent Coulson, makes a point of letting everyone know that there's more to this Vette than just being a collectible. In a matter of seconds the stylish Vette transforms into a jet and whisks Agent Coulson and his associate away to the action.
For those that don't know, "S.H.I.E.L.D." (Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division) was Marvel's answer to the popularity of James Bond and the spy craze of the 1960s. Every good secret organization needs a super-charged vehicle to get the mission complete. Originally known as the "S.H.I.E.L.D. Flying Car" in the comic book series, the high-tech automobile was in use throughout the intelligence group with a fleet of around 2,000 models at the ready for all of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s agents. It was developed by Stark Industries (associated with the "Iron Man" series), and had many different styles (trim levels?) and was usually yellow or red. In the television series, only Agent Coulson operates a single model of the flying car. Perhaps Marvel doesn't want to get a scratch on the very sleek, red vintage 1962 Corvette. Agent Coulson even gives the car it's own moniker, naming her "Lola". The vintage Chevy received so much acclaim, she even has her own Facebook fan page, where lovers of the eye-catching flying Vette can showcase their own vintage models or miniatures of the classic and beautiful Lola. The television series, on hiatus in it's first season, will return to broadcast with a new episode March 4, 2014.
Rick Hendrick, himself, has a classic 1967 Corvette Covertible that, while it may not have included the "jet-morphing" option, came with a history of ownership that included the likes of Roy Orbison! We wonder what amazing purchase he might be inspired to make next!
With the unveiling of the stylish triple-black "Black Widow" Corvette Stingray at the Chicago Auto Show, we'll be keeping our eyes peeled for any new models that may have ties to the upcoming Marvel movies, like the new Captain America: Winter Soldier, Guardians of the Galaxy coming to theaters August 1, 2014, the sequel to the Avengers coming out in Spring of 2015 and Ant-Man coming out in Summer of 2015. Stop by 1500 Savannah Hwy., Charleston, SC 29407, and test drive your own superheroic ride that you just very well might save the world in!
