America lost a hero this weekend with the passing of astronaut Alan Bean, who was 86 years old. Bean was the lunar module pilot for Apollo 12 and was the fourth human to walk on the moon. Like many of the
Unlike the other astronauts to drive Corvettes, Alan Bean and fellow mission partners Pete Conrad and Dick Gordon opted for identical Corvettes and they would lease three Riverside Gold 1969 Corvette Coupes. Life Magazine would feature the Astronauts and their Corvettes, helping to cement the close relationship between NASA’s space program and the Chevrolet Corvette.
Each of the “Astrovettes” was equipped with the 427/390 big block V8 and factory A/C. A unique paint scheme featuring black “wings” was added to the doors and rear quarter panels while special logos were painted above the Stingray badge on the front quarter panels. The logos designated each Apollo 12 astronauts responsibility with Alan Bean’s reading “LMP” for Lunar Module Pilot.
Following the conclusion of the lease program, the astronauts turned in their Corvettes and they were resold as pre-owned Corvettes. Alan Bean’s Corvette was purchased in 1971 by an enthusiast named Danny Reed who has owned it ever since. It’s the only one of the three Apollo 12 Corvettes whose whereabouts are known.
For more on the life of astronaut Alan Bean as well as his 1969 Corvette, check out these links below:
- Hitting the Jackpot with the Astrovette
- NASA – Alan Bean Profile
- Family Release Regarding the Passing of Apollo, Skylab Astronaut Alan Bean
- 1969 Chevrolet “Astrovette” Classic Drive
- The Forgotten True Story of Alan Bean’s Unlikely Journey to the Moon
- Astronauts and Corvettes: Just Like Mom, Apple Pie, and Rock & Roll
Source:
Danny Reed Photos
Related:
[VIDEO] Astronaut Gus Grissom’s 1967 Corvette Lands in Wilmington, NC
Astronaut Neil Armstrong’s 1967 Corvette Displayed at the Kennedy Space Center
Apollo XII Astronaut’s 1969 Corvette to be Displayed at the Corvette Chevy Expo
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Very appropriate article for our Memorial Day. Special guy, special vehicle. A big THANK YOU to all you Corvette lovers and their families that served. Happy Memorial Day.
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