GM is Building C8 Chassis in Anticipation of Reopening Bowling Green

Bedford, Indiana plant responsible for Corvette chassis production continues on in preparation for the resumption of Corvette assembly.

Only a few days are left until Kentucky emerges from its unintended economic hibernation. Which also means — as we’ve mentioned before — Corvette production comes back to life. It’s been a rough time for those waiting for the first-ever rear mid-engine wonder to land in their driveways. Thus, we’re sure everyone’s ready to see more of the C8-era machines hit the road.

One of the ways this is about to happen is just a few hours north of Bowling Green, Kentucky. According to The New York Times, the Bedford, Indiana plant responsible for Corvette chassis production is keeping the home fires burning through this dark time.

Per The New York Times, a GM representative says the Bedford casting plant is operating three shifts, with 20 employees per shift. The plant usually has 250 on each shift, and moved to a three-shift schedule in April. The Corvette is the plant’s sole focus at present.

And with good reason. According to a document found on CorvetteBlogger from finance giant Morgan Stanley, GM has a gold mine in its possession. Dubbed the company’s possible “captive Ferrari fighter,” the company says investors are giving the Corvette name a valuation of $2 billion, undervaluing it by $5 billion to $10 billion.

The prospectus states the Corvette name could grow if attached to an SUV, as well as a fully electric ‘Vette. Given enough time, Morgan Stanley believes it could be its own brand, its value exploding due to SUV sales. The Corvette is expected to deliver $3.3 billion in revenue to GM for 2020.

Speaking of this year, though, those who got their 2020 Corvettes will have one of the rarest ‘Vettes around. According to Autoblog, those waiting for a 2020 will receive a 2021 instead. The new model year, per leaked dealer documents, begins in late May.

The 2020 model year, already truncated by the UAW strike in late 2019, ends with 2,700 units made. This gives Corvette its shortest model year ever. Its longest began on January of 1983 for the 1984 model year. It ended 17 months later in June 1984.

Photos: Chevrolet