1962 Pontiac Console Shifter Lens And Light Housing, Grand Prix, Catalina, Bonne on 2040-parts.com

Parade celebrates astronauts and Corvettes

After Alan Shepard became the first American to travel into outer space in 1961, General Motors executive Ed Cole presented the astronaut with a new 1962 Chevrolet Corvette, customized with a space-age interior. Shepard had brought along his own 1957 Corvette when he reported for the space-training program in 1959. Thanks to a special lease arrangement between the space men and a Melbourne, Fla., Chevy dealership, six of the Mercury Seven astronauts were Corvette owners.

Alfa Romeo teases the 4C. Why?

Alfa Romeo 4C Frankfurt Tease (click for full image) We’ve had good reason to report on the Alfa Romeo 4C since it arrived on the car landscape back at Geneva in March. The 4C is exactly what Alfa should be doing to resurrect interest in the marque. They’ve done lots of good with the cracking little MiTo and the surprisingly good Giulietta.

Michael Mauer appointed head of design at Porsche

Porsche AG has anounced the appointment of Michael Mauer to take over as chief designer from Harm Lagaay, who will retire on July 1 after 15 years in the post. Michael Mauer, 41, studied automobile design at Pforzheim University, and started his career at Mercedes-Benz. In 1989, he was appointed design project leader for the Mercedes V Class models, and was in charge of design work for the first SLK model generation.